Summit to tackle satnav wrong turns

The problems that satnavs can cause are to be thrashed out at a Government summit.

The summit, to be held in early March, will be hosted by Local Transport Minister Norman Baker.

He wants to see an end to the misery caused when lorry and car drivers follow out-of-date directions from their satnavs.

Mr Baker also 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.

The Department for Transport said today that, at present, it can take months for map updates to make their way from local councils to satnavs.

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

Mr Baker said: "Out-of-date directions mean misdirected traffic - a scourge of local communities.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."

PA