Motorists can get up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information through their mobile phones thanks to the launch of a new service.

Transport information company ITIS has joined forces with BT Internet's WAP phone service to provide the information 24 hours a day.

ITIS Chairman Stuart Marks said: "The service makes traffic and travel information totally accessible to the user as and when they want it.

"It enables motorists to effectively plan their journey with information that is current and relevant to them."

BT's Ben Andradi said: "Nearly 48 per cent of people in the UK currently use a mobile phone, a number forecast to reach around 80 per cent by 2003. This highlights the growing market for internet access from mobile devices."