GPS instead of road signs: How municipalities are struggling with traffic

Random call brings relief

On request, Google says that the company invites users to use reporting tools in such cases. "The Geo Data Upload Tool is available to public bodies and institutions," a Google spokesperson told the German Press Agency.

Mayor Arlt only found out that this option was available by chance during a phone call with a Google employee. After he made such a report, a Google vehicle drove the route on site. Since then, the problem has at least improved and the route is suggested less frequently.

The Thuringian State Office for Construction and Transport is not aware of any demonstrable problems with the "misuse" of roads. In principle, the entire public road network is available to road users.

Oberdorla in the Unstrut-Hainich district also has problems

For the residents of Oberdorla, a district of the municipality of Vogtei in the Unstrut-Hainich district, this is a painful experience. For years, cars and trucks have been using the much too narrow Mühlhäuser Straße in the Oberdorla district as a shortcut to avoid nearby Mühlhausen.

Around 3,000 vehicles use it every day, says Thomas Golebniak, the non-party mayor of the municipality. The road is so narrow, especially in one bend, that some of the vehicles drive over the footpath - a real danger for residents. For around one and a half years, there have also been repeated bursts of water pipes - due to the traffic, Golebniak is convinced. There is also damage to facades, lampposts and the footpath. Many of those driving through are familiar with the area. However, navigation software also repeatedly misdirects vehicles around the town. As a result, the signage has already had to be changed in other places.

A probable compromise between the municipality and the state road construction authority now promises light on the horizon - because it is a state road. A one-way street regulation is therefore conceivable. A bypass would then need to be built for the opposite direction. A meeting is due to take place in November - because the road and the underlying pipes are in urgent need of renovation.

Golebniak is hoping for this solution. In the mayor's view, renewing the road at a cost of millions without changing the traffic regulations would be "an economic and psychological crime".

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