News & Features

TROs to be Digitised Benefiting Satnav Users

Posted in General News on Monday, January 22nd, 2024

The government is going to introduce new measures to ensure that satnavs and other mapping applications are kept up to date so that drivers are not directed down closed roads. These plans are part of the government’s Plan for Drivers and involve digitising Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs). TROs are legal documents which must be submitted by local authorities for consultation before being implemented. examples of TROs include, but are not limited to, speed limits and vehicle access restrictions on certain roads. TROs have not been automatically updated on digital systems and navigation apps up until this point. This indicates that drivers might not be aware that some roads are closed or that there are temporary speed limits in place because they are occasionally not picked up by satnavs. As long as your satnav system is current enough for you to access mapping updates from your the manufacturer you will have access to this information as of 2025. Those who use an in-car satnav which does not update via Wifi may be able to update the system using a USB storage device or SD card.  

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) changed the practical driving test in December 2017 to include the use of satnavs so that new drivers are trained to use them safely and correctly. The Department for Transport said in a statement that the satnav update will guarantee that drivers have access to the most recent and accurate information. Roads Minister, Guy Opperman said “This Government is on the side of drivers, which is why we’re making travelling by road much easier. Everyone knows the frustrations of being sent down a closed road by your satnav, so by going digital with our traffic information, we’re making sure that drivers have the very latest travel information to rely on. This is part of our first package of measures from our Plan for Drivers coming after our record £8.3 billion investment to resurface local roads, the biggest ever increase in funding for local road improvements.”

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