Last updated on 3 Nov 2009
This page contains answers to a number of frequently asked questions about the FRB123 traffic alerts service. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions not covered here.
What information is provided?
Each alert contains details of current restrictions on the bridge, together with the length of any traffic delays on the three main approach roads – the M90 southbound, the A90 northbound and the M9 Spur northbound. The length of each delay is provided to the nearest five minutes.
Registered users can also view the Forth Road Bridge’s live streaming webcam.
How does it work?
Traffic delays are automatically detected by a network of roadside sensors on the bridge approaches. The FRB123 text, email and phone service updates automatically every four minutes – quite simply, it’s the most accurate and up-to-the-minute data there is.
Details of restrictions on the bridge are updated directly by the Forth Road Bridge control room, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, as soon as any changes are implemented. It’s safe to say, if there are restrictions on the bridge due to roadworks, weather or any other incident, you’ll find out first with FRB123.
How can I get bridge traffic information on demand?
Text ‘FRB’ to 81400 and you’ll immediately be sent details of current restrictions on the bridge and traffic delays on the three main approach roads.
Phone 0906 302 0298 and you’ll hear the same information in an automatically generated voice message. If you’re a registered user you can use pre-purchased discounted phone minutes by calling 0292 002 0096.
What does it cost?
Registration is FREE – you only pay for the alerts you choose to receive.
Registered users can pre-purchase bundles of texts costing as little as 20p each. Phone minutes can be pre-purchased for as little as 20p per minute.
One month’s unlimited fully customisable email alerts for up to five users costs £2.50.
On-demand texts cost 50 pence each. However, if you have pre-purchased discounted texts, these will automatically be used first.
On-demand calls to the phone service normally cost 50 pence per minute from a BT landline. However, you can use discounted pre-purchased phone minutes by calling 0292 002 0096.
Why do I need to pay for this service?
By charging for alerts we are able to offer a much more sophisticated service than would otherwise be possible.
The FRB123 bridge traffic information system has been specially developed for users of the Forth Road Bridge, with new roadside traffic sensors and bespoke software development. This involved significant up-front investment from Comvista and their partners. We have endeavoured to keep the cost of alerts as low as possible but some charges are necessary to help cover the cost of developing and maintaining the system.
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