Ban lorries from using car sat-navs in England, say councils

Lorry drivers must be prohibiting from using sat-navs particularly created for cars, said council chiefs.

The Local Government Association (LGA) desires legislation brought in to make sure lorries in England and Wales utilize a GPS system ideal for HGVs.

It wants councils to have the power to make sure drivers prevent routes where they surpass the weight or height limit.

On Monday, a truck crashed into a bridge close to Birmingham, breaking the roof of its trailer off.

Calls to change navigation systems followed numerous lorries have got stuck in narrow roads or under small bridges.

In September 2016, a lorry was driving over a bridge in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, triggering it to be closed for numerous months. It was over 10 times over the bridge’s weight limit.

Network Rail is asking drivers of high automobiles to follow “low bridge” warning signs after the same bridge in Hinckley, Leicestershire, was struck 11 times in 12 months.

Commercial GPS systems developed for trucks include details on bridge heights and narrow roads.

They likewise permit lorry drivers to enter their automobile dimensions to make sure they are instructed to follow a suitable path.

Police in Wales and Greater London currently have the power to enforce weight and height restrictions on HGVs but councils are prompting the government to roll this out throughout England.

Some councils have been dealing with freight and haulage companies to guarantee drivers are utilizing the most appropriate routes.

The cash raised from the new powers could be put towards repairing potholes, says the LGA.