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** EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01 ON 6 JANUARY 2011 ** Norman Baker calls Satnav Summit to help motorists find way

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 05 January 2012

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Government's first 'Satnav Summit' to thrash out solutions to end the misery caused when lorry and car drivers follow out of date directions from their satnavs.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 As a result, thousands of drivers follow out-of-date maps, and local residents end up with inappropriate traffic on their doorsteps.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.

Norman 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"Out of date directions mean misdirected traffic – a scourge of local communities.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.

Ministers are also tackling the misery caused by lorry drivers following satnavs down narrow and inappropriate roads as part of a package of new traffic signs rules.

Under the new rules confirmed last month councils will no longer need Whitehall approval to introduce certain new signs or some existing ones that they need to use on a regular basis – including one to warn lorry drivers of unsuitable roads.

Notes to Editors

1. The new policy on road classification can be found at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/road-network-policy 2. ADEPT - the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transportation – was formerly known as the County Surveyors Society, and represents councils in transport, planning, waste and other related areas. 3. ITS(UK) – Intelligent Transport Systems (UK) – is the UK association for the promotion of intelligent transport technology, including satnav devices. It has over 160 members, both in the satnav industry and the public sector. 4. For more detail about the update to traffic signs rules, see: http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20111221 Press Enquiries: 020 7944 3066Out of Hours: 020 7944 4292Public Enquiries: 0300 330 3000Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.ukwww.twitter.com/transportgovuk | www.youtube.com/transportgovuk | www.flickr.com/transportgovuk

Contacts:

DfT Press Office - Roads
Phone: DfT Press Office 020 7944 3066
nds.dft@coi.gsi.gov.uk