Labs

This ingenious application retrieves traffic reports from around the UK, organising them by region and severity. Users in Northern Ireland will be disappointed that it doesn't cater for them, but it covers England, Wales and Scotland.

For those without in-car GPS, it's a useful way to remain informed of problems that lie ahead without having to listen to traffic reports on the radio. Simply select your country (or London) from the iPod-like menu system, then your county.

Known traffic bottlenecks are listed along with their road number, name and area - and for even more clarity they are colour-coded on the left of the screen in order of decreasing severity. Tap one and you're given full chapter and verse of what the problem entails.

Bear in mind that recent guidance on road safety doesn't consider a mobile phone to be the only handheld distraction - operating your iPhone or iPod touch while driving could also land you in trouble. But this app is certainly worth activating when you pull in at motorway services.