Sat-nav systems leading lorries down narrow roads

2:29pm Saturday 3rd May 2008

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LORRY drivers who mistakenly head into Overton guided by their satellite navigation systems are causing havoc in the village.

Since the increased use of the systems, villagers have noticed more heavy goods vehicles travelling through unsuitably narrow roads with tight bends.

Bemused drivers have had to ask for villagers' help after being incorrectly sent to Overton by the systems, or have had to back out of narrow roads after realising they cannot pass.

The problem has become so bad that, after complaints from residents, Hampshire County Council installed "No Heavy Goods Vehicles" signs in hot spots.

Terry Robinson, 70, lives in The Green, which overlooks two of the problem roads - Battens Avenue and Waltham Road.

He said: "It has become a nuisance for the villagers and I cringe every time I see a lorry trying to go down a road which is nowhere near wide enough."

Jeremy Hunter, 34, from Dellands, said: "We do get a few lorries coming down Dellands Lane, which is very narrow, downhill and has overhanging branches.

"There have been cases where the lorries have become stuck by the branches and have had to back up. I think some of it has to do with them not using common sense."

Jenny Hodge, spokesperson at TomTom, a leading satellite navigation system manufacturer, said: "We aren't aware of Overton having problems with vehicles mistakenly being sent there.

"Our systems are for cars and there are specific devices for HGVs, which we encourage lorry drivers to use.

"Obviously, drivers should use common sense and not blindly follow their system."

Brian Langer, Overton Parish Council representative for highways and byways and public transport, has identified Silk Mill Lane, Two Gate Lane, Sprents Lane, Waltham Road and Dellands Lane as areas of concern.

He said: "Very often lorries are mistakenly sent through Overton roads and it does cause problems for local traffic.

"I think the Government should recognise the problem and work with the navigation companies so small villages like Overton don't suffer."

Mike Coleman, who co-owns Coleman and Scott Haulage, based in Worting Road, Basingstoke, said: "We tell our drivers not to believe everything sat- navs tell you because there have been times when they lead you down a dead end or a ridiculously tight bend."