Lorry drivers must use commercial satnavs, say councils

28 January 2017 - All lorry drivers who use satnavs should be compelled to use commercial models say councils – following a fresh catalogue of chaos on the nation's roads.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents more than 370 councils in England and Wales, says that while the majority of lorry drivers are reputable and responsible, a minority cut corners by using cheaper satnavs designed for cars.

Villages and rural communities across the country have been blighted by a recent spate of lorry smashes. A historic bridge in Marlow, Bucks, had to be closed for months – with £200,000 damage - after a driver reportedly drove a truck 10 times the structure's weight limit over it. Lorries have ripped off their roofs on low bridges, and wedged themselves in historic town centres causing mayhem. Another driver whose lorry was emblazoned with ‘phenomenal' was anything but – he got stuck in a narrow street, forcing a picturesque village to grind to a halt.

Lorry satnavs are like normal car satnavs, but they include bridge heights, narrow roads, and roads unsuitable for trucks. In addition, they allow the driver to enter the lorry's dimensions - height, width, weight and load – so they are only guided along suitable roads. However, they are typically slightly more expensive than ones designed for cars.

The LGA wants councils to also be able to fine lorry drivers who flout weight restrictions. Lorries of a certain weight or width are banned from many minor roads but the police do not always have the resources to enforce the restrictions. The Government has handed powers under the Traffic Management Act (2004) to local authorities in Wales, and London (under different legislation), to take action if lorry drivers break the law. Councils across the country must also be given the ability to enforce weight and width restrictions where there are hotspots of abuse in their communities by issuing fines.

The LGA wants the Government to enable councils to take enforcement action where necessary. Councils up and down the country are already working with communities to tackle the issue by organising lorry watch schemes. They are also working with freight and haulage companies to ensure that lorries use the most suitable routes and roads.

The money collected from the fines could be used towards tackling the national pothole backlog – which could reach £14 billion in two years.

LGA Transport spokesman Cllr Martin Tett said:

"There has been a spate of recent accidents involving lorry drivers driving irresponsibly and causing chaos. The Government must start taking this issue more seriously and give councils the legislative tools to help their communities and other motorists.

"It is common sense that all lorry drivers should use satnavs designed for trucks, but this is only going to become a reality when it is a mandatory requirement. We are talking about a very small extra cost to drivers.

"Lorry drivers who get wedged in narrow roads or under bridges not only endanger themselves, other road users and pedestrians, but also cause massive disruption. This has a significant impact on local economies, particularly in rural areas.

"Some rural communities are fed-up with lorries ignoring weight restrictions and using their streets. The additional noise, vibration and pollution make their lives miserable.

"Councils hear these concerns and are doing everything they can to help their residents, working with communities by organising lorry watch schemes. But they are trying to take action with one hand tied behind their back and urgently need tougher powers. If a community is being plagued by problems, councils should be able to respond to their concerns by issuing fines to act as a deterrent.

"We would stress that most lorry drivers are reputable and drive responsibly. These powers would be targeted at the minority who do not follow the law. This is also about protecting the drivers' safety as well as the safety of residents and other road users."

Background

1. The Traffic Management Act 2004 (part 6), provides for councils to be given the powers to enforce weight limits and width restrictions, but central Government has not yet passed the necessary secondary legislation to bring it into force in England. The Welsh Government has done so and councils (and Transport for London) in the capital have powers.
2. Truck Sat Nav - Truck satnav are like normal sat navs, but with one major difference and that is they include bridge heights, narrow roads, roads unsuitable for HGVs and large vehicles, etc.
3. A councillor from Goring is calling for commercial sat-navs to be made compulsory in heavy goods vehicles.

Case studies - Crashes

Marlow, Bucks
A lorry driver caused £200,000 damage to historic Marlow Bridge A lorry driver who ignored warning signs and followed his GPS has caused hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage to a historic suspension bridge.

Bridgnorth, Shropshire
A lorry brought Bridgnorth to a standstill after becoming wedged on the town's High Street.

Bruton, Somerset
A lorry driver became the laughing stock of a village when he drove down a narrow lane and became wedged between two buildings. His vehicle was emblazoned with the word 'Phenomenal' - but his driving was anything but, as he became the latest victim of excessive faith in the power of satnav.

Tetbury, Gloucestershire
A lorry that had its roof ripped off after driving into Thames Head Bridge in Tetbury Road.

Marlborough, Wilts
A lorry caused three-mile tailbacks after it became wedged against a house while attempting to turn a corner.

Saltney, Chester
Lorry stuck under bridge - A lorry got wedged under the railway bridge in Saltney causing massive delays.

Shepton Mallet, Somerset
A huge lorry caused chaos in a town after it got wedged tight in a narrow alley

Personalised large vehicle navigation
Relax, the truck satnav knows your large vehicle will fit the road ahead. Customised routing takes into account your vehicle type, size, weight, cargo and speed - so you don't need to hold your breath every time you go under a low bridge.