Latest truck-friendly satnav scores high on FTA test18 February 2011

TomTom PRO7100 Truck answers recent government calls for a solution to the chaos and damage caused by misdirected truck drivers, according to the FTA (Freight Transport Association).

FTA's head of road freight policy James Firth says it's the product of collaboration between the satnav companies and the industry.

"Obviously, FTA wants to ensure that the products it stocks are top notch so, without any governmental influence, we worked closely with the satnav industry to develop and refine a better 'truck-nav'," says Firth.

"This particular unit has been rigorously tested by FTA and … we hope this helps to reassure government that a perfectly robust solution exists."

In 2009, Norman Baker MP, now a transport minister, identified 20 routes in England and Wales that he considered were suffering from misdirected HGVs, caused by car stanavs.

However, following tests, Firth says FTA is satisfied that with the TomTom PRO7100 Truck, there will be no such problem.

"There are a few models on the market right now, but there is nothing to stop manufacturers from testing the efficacy of their own units against those roads identified by Mr Baker," he suggests.

"However, we would issue the caveat that, although the latest technology is now extremely dependable, drivers must not over-rely on these units to make their decisions for them. Ultimately, there can be no substitute for common sense and driver awareness."

Author
Brian Tinham

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