Planning Your Route UK
Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, January 6, 2018 Under: Motorcycle Touring
You can reach your destination by motorcycle with the help of Google maps to give you a detailed route for your journey.
Alternatively, you can use GPS co-ordinates, using devices such as Garmin, TomTom and Navman. I still use my Tom Tom Rider 2nd Edition which I've had for many years and is still working well. Updating your device often is recommended as places and routes are changing all the time.
Treat every route with caution as some may have congested areas and Toll roads. So putting the right information into your Sat Nav is important. I always opt for the fastest route by motorway option when on a delivery, but if you are touring or on a day out you might want to avoid motorways and enjoy the countryside.
Having a smooth journey
The Highways Agency provides various useful services to give real-time information relating to England's motorways and major 'A' roads.
England
Highways England
Highways England gives you current and future traffic conditions on England's motorways and major 'A' roads via their website: www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information
Use their interactive map to find information on:
- Live journey delays
- Live roadside message signs
- Current & future events and incidents
- Current & future road works
- You can also call 0300 123 5000, for live traffic updates 24 hours a day (BT landline calls cost no more than 8p/min; calls from a mobile usually cost more).
Northern Ireland
Traffic Watch
Traffic Watch is a service set up to provide traffic bulletins, news, and access to strategically located traffic cameras for live viewing within Northern Ireland.
Find out more about Traffic Watch, and the services they provide, on their website: http://trafficwatchni.com/home
For additional information, call the Traffic Information line on 08457 123 321 (calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone company's access charge).
Scotland
Transport Scotland
Transport Scotland is the national transport agency for Scotland. They are responsible for helping to ensure the safe and efficient running of Scotland's trunk roads and rail networks, while also establishing a concessionary scheme for travel in Scotland.
Find out more about them and other projects they are involved with on their website: www.transport.gov.scot
Some of the services they provide are detailed below.
Traffic Scotland is a service provided by Transport Scotland which gives people access to real time and future traffic information in Scotland.
Find out about current incidents, planned events and roadwork's, weather forecasts with any expected impact, routes affected by any of these and much more on their website: trafficscotland.org
Travelline Scotland allows you to plan any public transport journey within Scotland. It gives accurate timetabled information allowing you to choose which route or mode of transport is best for you. For more information take a look at their website: www.travelinescotland.com
Alternatively, Traveline Scotland provide a telephone service open 24 hours a day - just call 0871 200 22 33 (calls will cost 10p per minute from BT landlines, calls from mobiles or other providers may vary).
Wales
Traffic Wales
Traffic Wales is the Welsh Assembly Government's traffic information service. Find out about the latest news and information regarding Welsh roads, any planned upcoming events or roadworks, and sign up for free SMS and email alerts on their website: www.traffic-wales.com
Alternatively, call Traffic Wales on 0300 123 321 to get traffic information and travel advice.
In : Motorcycle Touring
Tags: motorcycle touring route planning