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Navteq has launched a satellite navigation system for the haulage industry, called Navteq Transport. It is hoped the system will cut the numbers of LGVs taking inappropriate routes and becoming wedged under bridges or stranded in fields. The digital map compiler and provider says its database takes into account low bridges, width and height restrictions, specific speed limits and recommended truck routes.

In addition, the database includes warnings of steep hills, sharp bends, areas with  high lateral winds and risk of grounding. Marketing director Peter Beaumont says the database will improve drivers' efficiency and ability to plan routes, resulting in fewer miles driven and less vehicle wear and tear. He cautions that the system won't eradicate all cases of red-faced drivers getting stranded. "It will help it acts as an aid," he says.

"Certainly it will be the first truly international database that exists to allow large vehicles to create routes and navigation taking into account low bridges, width and other restrictions. It's still the responsibility of someone driving to make sure the road ahead is suitable to drive down." Navteq Transport has been launched in Germany and France and will be launched in Benelux shortly. Updates will become available every three months.