Lib Dems call for Sat Nav dangers to be tackled
A list of some of the most dangerous routes used by Heavy Goods Vehicles being directed by satellite navigation devices across the country was released by the Liberal Democrats.
The devices frequently direct large vehicles down narrow roads where they can become stuck or hit low bridges.
The party is calling on the Government to take action to ensure the devices take account of the width and height of large vehicles before choosing a route.
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, Norman Baker said:
“The Government promised to look at this problem over two years ago, but has completely failed to act.
“This affects rural areas the most, with huge vans and lorries clogging up narrow roads and causing real problems for other road users.
“The rise in the use of Sat Nav devices has led to a doubling of the number of large vehicles hitting rail bridges.
“This has the potential to be extremely dangerous. The Government must act to make Sat Nav devices safer for large vehicles.”
Some of the sat nav hotspots include Chesterfield, Alnwick (where HGVs have been directed down Rugley Road (U3053) from the A1 near Deanmoor and become stuck in the steep ford in the road), Romiley in Stockport, the A357 in Somerton and Frome (where HGVs regularly getting stuck under a low railway bridge) and Bridgnorth (where drivers using sat-navs are being directed to a non-existent crossing over the River Severn).
Tell us about your Sat Nav mishaps. Do you know of any sat nav danger hotspots? Let us know, by leaving a comment below.
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