A new sat nav database will save bridges and lorry drivers.

Published Date: 25th Oct 2016

A new database is currently being created for satellite navigation systems for large commercial vehicles and could even be used for double-decker bus drivers.

The Ordnance Survey is using its resources to create the new information on over 200,000 miles of road at a cost of millions.

Completion is aimed at end of this year 2016. The National Digital Road Map database will include detailed information on road width, weight restrictions, bridge heights and turning restrictions at the end of a road.

As the information will have to be sold to the sat-nav manufacturers, it is in doubt currently over how the initial adoption will take shape.

Chief Executive of the Road Haulage Association Richard Burnett said “The new database will provide the satnav manufacturers with the ability to make journeys for HGV drivers safer and more cost-efficient and that's a big issue for us.”

“However, the new technology can only be considered a real success if each of the satnav providers sign up to the new system.”

Low Bridges can catch out HGV drivers

Quite a few manufacturers already sign up to the products that Ordnance Survey already offer, which includes Garmin, one of the bigger names in GPS and sat-nav technology.

The Department for Transport is helping to fund the system with £3 million from the taxpayer then the local councils will be responsible for maintaining.

Expected to be complete in November Robert Andrews from The Ordnance Survey said “The definitive data, which also includes information on speed limits and planned road maintenance, delivers a product which will enable more efficient routing for all road users, including HGVs.”

Although many roads currently have signs highlighting the presence of low bridges and weight limits, it is thought that the reliance on satnav leaves many drivers red faced and taking no notice.