As any driver will tell you, it’s no fun joining a motorway only to find yourself in a five-mile tailback due to unexpected roadworks.
The problem can often be the result of sat-navs, which have been kept in the dark about information on road and lane closures.
But new rules will see traffic authorities ordered to digitise all road changes so sat-navs have accurate information quicker, Roads Minister Guy Opperman will announce tomorrow.
New rules will see traffic authorities ordered to digitise all road changes so sat-navs
At present, the information is often not digital, meaning it is missing on navigation systems. This can not only lead to frustration, but also to drivers being fined for breaking temporary or new road rules that their sat-nav is not yet aware of.
The regulations will require councils and traffic authorities to ensure all Traffic Regulation Orders – short-term traffic measures such as temporary speed limits or road closures – are uploaded on to a digital platform and freely available online.
Edmund King, president of the AA, welcomed the announcement.
He said: ‘Any use of technology that gives drivers more up-to-date information about congestion, road closures and roadworks has got to be a good thing.
Edmund King, president of the AA, welcomed the announcement
‘Some councils really aren’t up to date with technology and it hasn’t been a priority to keep the roads flowing. Drivers pay to use the roads and they deserve a more efficient system.’
A government source said: ‘This is good news for drivers who get stung by dodgy councils who see motorists as cash cows. If sat-navs don’t have full information, people get fined.’
The changes are part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Drivers and will be included in the Automated Vehicles Bill, currently in Parliament. They are due to come into force in 2025. Mr Opperman said: ‘This Government is on the side of drivers, which is why we’re making travelling by road much easier.
‘Everyone knows the frustrations of being sent down a closed road by your sat-nav, so by going digital with our traffic information, we’re making sure that drivers have the very latest travel information to rely on.
‘This is part of our first package of measures from our Plan for Drivers to be set out tomorrow, coming after our record £8.3 billion investment to resurface local roads – the biggest ever increase in funding for local road improvements.’
