Real-time traffic updates for NZ Garmin nüvi devices

If you live in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch and you have a Garmin nüvi you now get a bonus: real-time traffic updates from SUNA Traffic Channel. Traffic congestion and road incidents are both reported to compatible devices to assist motorists in choosing routes and avoiding problem spots.

The service is also available if you have the Magellan AU and NZ App for iPhone as an in-app purchase.

Intelematics, the company behind SUNA, says that the Live Traffic Updates will initially be available on the new Garmin nüvi models including the nüvi 2455LMT, 2495LMT, 2595LMT, 3490LMT and 3590LMT.

Intelematics has spent 12 months developing and testing the New Zealand service – it’s been operating in Australia for nearly five years.

A press release from SUNA explained how the service works.

“Congestion monitoring is made possible through real-time analysis of data collected from thousands of ‘probe’ vehicles equipped with GPS systems,” the company said.

Data is also collected from the NZTA, emergency services, Timesaver Traffic and local government to make the service a comprehensive monitor of traffic issues and congestion.

While Garmin devices are the only ones currently supported in New Zealand, Intelematics says it is in discussions with partners and customers to introduce SUNA into other New Zealand products.