Old satnav not to blame for speeding

Out-of-date satnav technology is no excuse for speeding, Stirling Council roads officials have warned.

During discussions at the council’s environment and housing committee on updating its speeding policy, Labour councillor Danny Gibson asked how technology could keep up to date with councils who change their speed limits.

Officers said:“We have no way of immediately telling a particular organisation that we have changed our speed limits but all TROs (traffic regulation orders) are advertised and they are picked up by organisations in charge of satnavs.

“Where there can be an issue is with the old TomTom-type equipment that holds information you had when you bought it, if you don’t pay for an upgrade. Some older car technology is also like that.

“But, importantly, the technology not being updated does not negate a driver’s responsibilities or ignoring the signs on the road.

“We don’t have somewhere we can definitely say that’s where that information goes but these organisations pick up TROs as advertised and they are fairly good at it these days.”

Changes to the speed limit policy, meanwhile, were said to be needed to allow the council to continue the roll out of reduced speed limits in communities whilst providing a framework within which this can be implemented safely, including care being taken that a limit was not being introduced in an area where realistically drivers would not slow down.

In their report, the officers added:“The safe implementation of a reduced speed limit, especially outwith the urban area, is likely to necessitate investment in road infrastructure.

“One of the main issues discussed at committee in September, in relation to the A91 Blairlogie petition, was the definition of a village. Part of the proposals for Blairlogie is to introduce a change to the road environment for drivers using the A91.

“If such a proposal were approved there would be a resource implication for the council as many other communities could request a similar 30mph limit. The erection of 30mph signs only is not seen as effective with physical intervention proving the best opportunity to reduce speed and manage road safety risk.”