The Sun newspaper, as well as many others, had a wonderful report about a Czech driver who got stuck for three days after being trapped by a narrow road after following his sat-nav system
But it is not only a problem for overseas hauliers; many UK trucks have been trapped because they are using sat.nav systems used by cars. Until recently there has been no mapping available with the details of all the weight, height and width restrictions in the UK.
But such software is now coming on the market. A couple of weeks ago NAVTEQ launched a comprehensive system for the UK.This will be a big relief to many hauliers who want to use sat.nav but have not been able to because of the lack of a suitable system.
There has been a big problem with drivers buying their portable systems and I know of at least one major logistics company that has had to fire drivers after they hit rail bridges by following routes on systems designed by cars.
The cost of sat.nav has fallen dramatically and it will make sense for it to be fitted into trucks – if the cost justifies it.