Meerssen Municipality Improves Traffic Safety by Correcting Google Maps Data
In the municipality of Meerssen, many 30 km/h zones were incorrectly registered as 50 km/h zones in Google Maps. This led to unwanted cut-through traffic and unsafe situations. Proactively adjusting Google Maps data proved to be the key to a safer living environment. The municipality of Meerssen took the lead and engaged Localyse to keep its digital map up to date and restore traffic safety.
The challenge
Incorrect speed limits in navigation systems
Everyone relies on navigation apps. They determine the fastest route based on data, including the maximum allowed speed. The problem arises when this traffic data is outdated. In Meerssen, this was the core of the challenge: the physical reality of carefully designed 30 km/h zones did not match the digital reality in Google Maps, where these roads were still listed as 50 km/h.
Correcting these kinds of map errors is complex. The assumption that service providers will automatically update this information is often incorrect. Without proactive traffic data management, an unsafe situation can persist for an unnecessarily long time.
Before
After
The consequences
Cut-through traffic and reduced safety
The impact of a simple, incorrect speed registration is significant and directly felt by residents:
- Attractive Cut-Through Routes: For the Google Maps algorithm, a route through a residential area in Meerssen incorrectly appeared to be much faster. The result was an increase in cut-through traffic that disturbed the peace and safety of the area.
- Unsafe Situations Around Schools: Traffic safety in residential areas and around schools was compromised. Drivers who were unfamiliar with the area were encouraged to drive too fast, purely based on their navigation.
- Undermining Policy: The municipality’s investment in traffic-calming measures and the establishment of 30 km/h zones were nullified by outdated digital data.
The solution
Targeted correction of maximum speeds
Waiting was not an option. The municipality of Meerssen opted for a targeted approach to have the data in Google Maps, Waze, and TomTom corrected.
As a Google Premier Partner, Localyse has the expertise and direct channels to perform this efficiently. For Meerssen, the solution lay in their “Improve Maps” service:
- Analysis: They systematically identified all road segments where the maximum speed in the navigation platforms did not align with the legal reality.
- Correction: They were commissioned to adjust the incorrect 50 km/h registrations to the correct 30 km/h.
- Verification: They monitored the implementation until the digital map was up to date and the route suggestions reflected the desired, safe situation.
The results
An immediately safer and more livable Meerssen
By correcting the maximum speeds in the most important navigation systems, the municipality of Meerssen achieved tangible results:
- Effective Reduction of Cut-Through Traffic: Residential areas are no longer the “fastest” option, which deters through traffic.
- Proven Improved Traffic Safety: The digital route suggestions now support the municipal policy for a safe school and residential environment.
- Positive Impact on Livability: Residents are directly experiencing less traffic nuisance and more peace in their streets.
Let's discuss your project
Is the data in navigation maps getting in the way of your traffic policy? Take control of your digital accessibility and traffic safety. It all starts with insight. With our Speedlimit check, you can see at a glance which maximum speeds deviate from the National Road Database (NWB). In Utrecht, there was already a 35% deviation (2022). Contact Localyse today for an analysis.
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