Amsterdam is launching the pilot of an app on Monday that will help motorists to avoid traffic jams before they begin.

The app ADAM is connected to traffic information systems of motoring organisation Rijkswaterstaat, Amsterdam council and the province of Noord-Holland, allowing motorists to see the quickest route to their destination, broadcaster Nos reports.

The app also allows governmental control rooms to steer motorists away from problems before traffic builds up. For instance, if there is an accident, motorists can be advised to take another route. Or where one lane is closed, some motorists can be rerouted while others drive straight on, ensuring that traffic does not back up.

The pilot will be deemed a success if motorists follow its advice, according to Patrick Potgraven of the Traffic information service. Of course, there is the risk that ‘know-it-all’ drivers will ignore the detours, he said. ‘That is the exciting thing. Will people follow the advice.’

If the app is successful, it will be introduced in other cities.

Hard shoulder

Meanwhile, transport Melanie Schultz van Haegen has given the go-ahead to open the hard shoulder of the A7 and A8 motorways to traffic during rush hours, the Telegraaf says on Monday.

At the moment, traffic builds up long before the Coen tunnel into Amsterdam, but the minister hopes using the hard shoulder between Purmerend-South and Oostzaan during morning rush hour will free up traffic flows into the north of the city.

In addition, the existing extra lane between Zaandam and Purmerend will begin before the junction Zaandam on the A8, allowing traffic to flow more smoothly in the evening rush hour.