Govt announces launch of satnav summit

Date: 9/1/2012

The government is holding a satnav summit in a bid to eradicate some of the problems caused by out of date information provided by the devices.

Currently, some car and lorry drivers end up following inappropriate directions that have not been updated on their machines.

This can be particularly problematic when traffic - especially large heavy goods vehicles - is sent down categories of road it should not be.

Local Transport Minister Norman Baker is calling for satnav manufacturers, mapping providers and highways authorities to work together to tackle the issue.

He said the summit is well-timed due to changes coming into effect in April that will give local councils greater powers regarding the classification of routes.

"We are allowing local authorities to reclassify roads - ensuring A roads are placed where they want traffic to run and lowering the category of road in places they want traffic to avoid," Mr Baker stated.

Last month, local authorities were also given the power to introduce certain new road signs without government approval.

Posted by Mary Treen