Crackdown on sat-nav?

05th December 2006

These two sat-nav screens are completely different - but under plans being considered by the Government, the set-ups could soon be made to look virtually the same.

New regulations could limit the amount of data that can be displayed, and dictate character and typeface size. Introducing a standardised system would make sat-nav less distracting for the driver. Safety and motoring groups plus car firms are being consulted to find out if such regulation is necessary. Ministers are expected to make a decision by the end of January.

Alan Steven, chief scientist at the Transport Research Laboratory in Crowthorne, Berks, said: "Most items on a car, such as light bulbs, must conform to certain specific standards. However, there is no such regulation of sat-nav, and the Government wants to find out whether there should be." He added that measures may also be put in place to ensure the units can't direct tall vehicles under low bridges or HGVs along weak roads.