Norman Baker calls Satnav Summit to help motorists find way

Norman Baker, local transport minister, will host the Government's first 'Satnav Summit' to thrash out solutions to end the misery caused when lorry and car drivers follow out of date directions from their satnavs.

The Minister wants highway authorities, mapping providers and satnav manufacturers to work more closely to ensure everything possible is done to make sure the right vehicles are on the right roads.

At present, it can take months for map updates to make their way from local councils to satnavs.

As a result, thousands of drivers follow out-of-date maps, and local residents end up with inappropriate traffic on their doorsteps. Furthermore, some motorists do not update their satnav maps, either because they forget or are not aware they can do, which makes the problem even more serious.

The summit will take place in early March, a month before local authorities gain important new powers to decide how their roads appear on maps - helping them to better direct traffic.

Baker said: "Out of date directions mean misdirected traffic - a scourge of local communities. It is vital highway authorities, mapping companies and satnav manufacturers work more closely together to provide drivers with accurate, up-to-date information on traffic restrictions such as narrow roads or low bridges.

"This will help prevent huge lorries from being sent down inappropriate roads and ensure motorists are given the best possible directions.

"The summit is timely because from April 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 - rather than having to come to Whitehall for approval. These powers will help councils make sure that drivers are using suitable routes."

The summit will be attended by the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transportation (ADEPT) - which represents councils in transport - and ITS(UK) which promotes intelligent transport technology and whose membership includes satnav companies.

It is essential that there are clear lines of communication which allow councils to quickly get road classification information to satnav companies so route calculation software can be updated.

IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “While we welcome the ‘Satnav Summit’, high quality and consistent signposting will always be the best way to ensure that drivers get the information they require when and where they need it most. Local authorities and government must ensure adequate funding for traditional signposting remains a top priority even in the digital age.

“And drivers themselves need to take some responsibility, with recent figures showing that two-thirds of drivers are confused by basic road signs. Swot up on The Highway Code, plan your route and make sure you always have a good map in the car too.”