Transport minister highlights sat-nav limitations

Transport minister Norman Baker has reminded drivers that their sat-navs can lead them astray at times.

The Argus revealed that the Lewes MP is due to hold a summit next month to discuss with highway authorities, mapping organisations and sat-nav manufacturers how more accurate information can be uploaded to the devices.

Mr Baker said: "When used sensibly, sat-navs can be useful in helping drivers to plan their journey and navigate. However, all too often out-of-date directions mean mis-directed traffic - a scourge of local communities and an annoyance for drivers."

His comments were made after a Confused.com survey found that 83 per cent of users had been misled by their sat-nav, which suggests automobile owners and long-term car hire customers should not rely completely on the technology.

Press Association reported Confused.com's head of car insurance, Gareth Kloet, as saying that many motorists are increasingly seeing such driving aids as sources of "frustration and danger".

The firm's study found that the Welsh town of Aberystwyth is the place in the UK where drivers were most annoyed by their sat-navs, with 75 per cent of motorists there saying they regularly get angry with the devices.

As well as sending drivers on peculiar routes to reach their destinations, there have also been complaints that the driving aids direct heavy vehicles through quiet villages - much to the dismay of local residents.