Sat-nav sends lorries to dead ends.....

Curse of the sat-nav in villages to end as government plans to give villages power to re-classify roads

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 12:20 PM on 1st February 2011

The curse of lorries getting stuck down narrow village streets because they've been directed there by satnavs could become a thing of the past under Coalition plans.

Councils may be given powers to re-classify roads so vehicles are directed away from tight roads and village greens.

Currently decisions on changes such as downgrading an A-road to a B-road must be approved by the Department for Transport.

Thing of the past? Cxech lorry driver Yuri Odehnal slept in his HGV for three days after becoming wedged down a narrow country road

Transport minister Norman Baker wants to axe the red tape which prevents local authorities from taking decisions for themselves.

The government consultation is being launched after a succession of lorry drivers have got wedged in down narrow roads - and blamed navigation systems.

Czech driver Yuri Odehnal became tightly trapped down a country lane in Plymouth, Devon, and slept in his HGV for three nights before being rescued.

He was unable to speak enough English to ask directions when he suspected he was being led into difficulties by his navigation device in November 2007.

In Luddenden, West Yorkshire, a truck driver caused £10,000 worth of damage to walls as he became trapped down a narrow and winding road.

Satnav companies will also be consulted about programming devices away from narrow unsuitable roads.

Mr Baker said local authorities are better placed to make decisions on classification because they have knowledge of the area.

He said: 'The current system dates back to the 1960s and is a hangover from the days of Whitehall knows best.

Stuck: A red-faced trucker in Luddenden, West Yorkshire became trapped after following the instructions on his sat nav

'I believe in giving power to local people. This reform will cut red tape and mean councils can better control traffic in their area.

'They can ensure A roads are placed where they want traffic to run, and can lower the category of road in places they want traffic to avoid.

'By making it less onerous for councils to ensure road classification better reflects conditions on the ground, journeys will be easier to navigate.

'We are also using this as an opportunity to invite new ideas of tackling some of the problems caused by sat navs, for example lorries being directed down unsuitable roads.

'We want to hear suggestions as to how the current system could be improved - and how councils could better work with sat nav companies.'

Under the new system, the Department for Transport will only deal with contentious cases where there are serious disagreements about a council's decision.

The consultation is open until May 1.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1352436/Sat-nav-curse-end-Government-plan-villages-power-reclassify-roads.html#ixzz1CiMjVsAg