Drivers 'still prefer printed maps'

MOST motorists still prefer printed maps when planning car journeys, according to an AA/Populus survey.

Older drivers are the least happy with sat-nav, with only 9% of over-65s ditching printed maps altogether.

Overall, 63% of the 23,824 drivers polled have used a printed map in the last six months, while 60% have used an in-car sat nav.

More than a third (35%) have used sat-nav and a printed map, with the figure rising to 40% in Eastern England and being as low as 27% in Scotland.

Just 17% of drivers rely on sat-nav alone, but this figure is as high as 43% for 18-24 year olds.

The poll also found that 11% plan their journeys with a map and take written instructions with them, while only 5% of 18-24 year olds do this. The survey also revealed that 1% never travel far enough to need a map or sat nav.

Mapping the Roads author Mike Parker said: "The story of Britain's road development is also the story of its political, economic and social history, and the car, more than any other single factor, has shaped our landscape and changed our maps."

"Technology has brought us in-car navigation systems to make getting around without a human navigator far easier. However, there are numerous tales of those who rely solely on this technology finding themselves in either completely the wrong location or on inappropriate roads for their vehicles."

He went on: "With a good map, you can quite literally see the bigger picture."

By Press Association reporter