Scientists at the Delft University of Technology say they have discovered a way of predicting traffic jams and will next year launch a website showing potential tailbacks.

The scientists say that the current sites that predict traffic jams are not reliable enough. Their site, they claim, goes beyond other traffic information services, which only register existing jams, by accurately predicting where jams are likely to form. They say that when more than 2,400 cars pass any given spot within one hour, people are likely to hit the brakes, causing traffic jams. The ideas has been nominated for the annual academic award, worth 100,000 euros, which is to be announced on 7 October.
 

Foto: Flickr / Jim Frazier