Sat-nav problems tackled at government summit

It can take months for map updates from local authorities to register on sat-navs

The problems caused when lorry and car drivers are misdirected by out-of-date directions from their sat-navs are to be tackled at a government summit.

Local Transport Minister Norman Baker will host the talks in March to ensure everything possible is done to get the right vehicles on the right roads.

Mr Baker said misdirected traffic was a "scourge of local communities".

In October, Bruton high street in Somerset was shut for 24 hours after a lorry became wedged in a narrow street.

'Low bridges'

After several attempts to release the vehicle, which was directed there by a sat-nav device, it was eventually freed. However, a 300-year-old house was damaged in the process.

"Out-of-date directions mean misdirected traffic - a scourge of local communities," Mr Baker said.

"It is vital highway authorities, mapping companies and sat-nav 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 Department for Transport says it can take months for map updates from local authorities to register on sat-navs.

The summit, in early March, will be held around a month before councils gain new powers to decide how their roads will appear on maps, aimed at directing traffic better.