All lorry drivers who opt to use satnavs should be compelled to use commercial models with special features for lorries, argues the Local Government Association following the latest catalogue of accidents involving lorry drivers led astray by car satnavs.

‘Truck Sat Nav’ links to commercial products which, in addition to normal satnav capabilities, indicate bridge heights, narrow roads and roads unsuitable for trucks. They also allow drivers to enter height, width, weight and load of their vehicle so they are only guided along suitable roads.

Lorries relying on the cheaper car satnavs have caused mayhem by getting their roofs ripped off on low bridges and wedging themselves in narrow town centre streets. A historic bridge in Marlow, Bucks, also had to be closed for months – with £200,000 damage – after a driver reportedly drove a truck 10 times the weight limit over it.

Lorries of a certain weight or width are banned from many minor roads but the police do not always have the resources to enforce the restrictions.

The Government has already given authorities in Wales and London the powers to take action if lorry drivers break the law and the LGA wants the 370 councils it represents in England and Wales to be given similar powers to fine lorry drivers who flout weight and width restrictions.