Dutch car owners are to have quicker access to improved traffic information thanks to a new traffic database. On Monday, Transport Minister Camiel Eurlings launched the database, which will provide five times as much information on traffic jams, diversions and road works than was previously available to the public.

The Netherlands has been struggling with severe congestion problems around its major cities for years. Every day, during morning and afternoon rush hours, thousands of drivers listen out for radio traffic reports in an attempt to avoid the numerous traffic jams.

"As various Dutch traffic information services will use the database, radio broadcasts on traffic congestions will improve drastically,” says Mr Eurlings. The database will also include information on provincial roads and will be expanded gradually by placing more cameras and monitoring points on roadsides.

Ultimately the figures in the Dutch National Database on Road Traffic will need to cover about 5,500 kilometres of main roads and motorways.