Car insurance experts at MoneySuperMarket are urging drivers in London to check their sat navs and smartphone apps, warning that out-of-date speed data could be causing thousands to unintentionally break the law in London’s new 20mph zones.
The latest figures show that drivers in London were issued over 778,000 speeding fines last year, many of them in the newly designated 20mph routes.
The 20mph speed limits have been implemented across two thirds of London’s boroughs already, including Greenwich, Kensington and Chelsea, Southwark, Wandsworth, Bromley and Lambeth, and last month TfL introduced 20mph speed restrictions in Edmonton, Palmers Green and Southgate. However, many factory-fitted car systems rely on SD cards or unpatched software that do not automatically update with the new speed limits. Older versions of popular navigation apps on smartphones, like Google Maps and Waze, also may not have fully incorporated the new speed limits, increasing the risk of accidental speeding and fines.
Many drivers are worried they may be penalised for unknowingly speeding, including Megan, a 34-year-old marketing executive from Stamford, Lincolnshire, who found herself unsure of the right speed limits when visiting family.
“I rely heavily on apps like Google Maps to get me to my destination with the right driving information.” Megan said. “I quickly noticed that the speed limits shown on my phone’s app didn’t always match the road signs, leaving me confused. It left me feeling quite unsure about what the actual speed limit was as I was driving through. I’m concerned I may have unintentionally gone over the limit whilst driving around, especially because I’m so used to trusting the map apps. Even though the new 20mph limits have been in place for a while now, it’s so easy to slip up when you’re used to driving 30mph in urban areas, especially when the technology doesn’t keep up with local changes.”
Alicia Hempsted, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said:
“Many drivers place complete trust in their sat navs or apps, unaware that these tools may be showing outdated speed limits. But even if it’s accidental, you can still be fined for speeding. Drivers who get a speeding conviction on a public road could see their annual premium increase by up to £179. Therefore, keeping your tech updated is essential, and if in doubt, always follow what the road signs say over your phone or sat nav.”
“Updating your system might sound technical, but it’s often a quick process. For in-car systems most require removing the SD card or USB, plugging it into a computer, and downloading updates via the manufacturer’s website. If your computer doesn’t have an SD card slot, you can use an inexpensive SD card reader that plugs into a USB port.”
MoneySuperMarket’s tips to avoid speeding fines:
Update your car’s in-built sat nav regularly, especially if it uses an SD card.
Refresh your smart phone’s navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze; make sure they’re running the latest version with accurate speed data.
Always follow road signs; signage accurately reflects the legal limit, not your device.
Stay informed and keep an eye on local council announcements.