New rulings will provide local authorities with more power of how their roads appear on maps and satellite navigation systems. The initiative is intended to make it easier to direct traffic and has been set out by Local and Regional Transport Minister Norman Baker.
At the moment if a council wants to change the status of one of its roads it must first gain approval from the Department for Transport. However the Government is now proposing handing these duties to local councils as they are best placed to decide on the classification of roads.
Norman Baker claims "The current system dates back to the 1960s and is a hangover from the days of Whitehall-knows-best. I believe in giving power to local people. This reform will cut red tape and mean councils can better control traffic in their area.
"They can ensure A roads are placed where they want traffic to run, and can lower the category of road in places they want traffic to avoid. By making it less onerous for councils to ensure road classification better reflects conditions on the ground, journeys will be easier to navigate.
"We are also using this as an opportunity to invite new ideas of tackling some of the problems caused by satnavs, for example lorries being directed down unsuitable roads. We want to hear suggestions as to how the current system could be improved – and how councils could better work with satnav companies."