Millions of British drivers are inadvertently risking fines and penalty points by blindly following their satellite navigation systems, a major new investigation can reveal.
An over-reliance on digital maps is causing a surge in driving offences, as motorists perform illegal manoeuvres—such as banned turns and driving into bus lanes—simply because their device instructed them to.
The Cost of Blind Trust
Shockingly, data obtained from local councils shows that thousands of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are issued every month to drivers who claim they were "just following the sat-nav". Common offences include:
- Illegal turns: Making a turn where signs clearly prohibit it.
- Bus lane contraventions: Driving in bus lanes during operational hours.
- Entering pedestrian zones: Driving into areas restricted to traffic at certain times.
Motoring experts warn that "the sat-nav told me to" is not a valid defence in the eyes of the law. The responsibility for driving correctly and legally always rests with the person behind the wheel.
Why Your Digital Co-Pilot Gets It Wrong
The issue often stems from outdated map data within the navigation systems. While app-based maps like Google Maps and Waze update frequently, many built-in car systems rely on infrequent updates, sometimes only once a year. This means recent changes to road layouts, new bus lanes, or altered turning restrictions may not be registered.
Furthermore, most sat-navs are programmed to find the shortest or quickest route, with little regard for local traffic regulations that are not represented in their digital code.
How to Protect Your Licence and Your Wallet
To avoid becoming another statistic, drivers are urged to adopt a common-sense approach:
- Use your eyes, not just the device: Always prioritise road signs and markings over the instructions from your sat-nav.
- Keep your maps updated: Regularly check for and install updates for your car's built-in system or navigation app.
- Plan your route in advance: Especially for journeys in unfamiliar cities, a quick glance at the route can help you spot potential issues like city centre clean air zones or one-way systems.
- Stay alert: If an instruction seems questionable or unsafe, do not follow it. It is always better to find a safe place to stop and reassess your route than to commit an illegal manoeuvre.
The message from authorities and motoring groups is clear: your sat-nav is an aid, not an authority. Ensuring you drive within the law remains your responsibility.
