Since the new rules put in place by a decree published on August 3 in the “Official Journal”, the “digital travel assistance services” no longer always recommend the fastest routes. But why ?
On August 3, a new decree published in the Official newspaper has forced GPS applications to get a facelift, relayed Numerama. This is why Google Maps, Waze, City Mapper or even Apple Plans have recently integrated new features. The goal? Comply with the measures voted in August 2021 on the occasion of the climate law, which limit the pollution caused by motorized vehicles. Among the novelties introduced by the “digital travel assistance services”we find in particular the following messages: “For short journeys, favor walking or cycling”, “going from 130 to 110 km/h on the motorway reduces your fuel consumption by 20%”, “consider carpooling”or “on a daily basis, take public transport.”
But that’s not all ! Since the publication of the decree, GPS no longer systematically offer the fastest route. Now they highlight the most responsible route for the environment. “When the initial itinerary includes a portion in a motorized vehicle whose maximum authorized speed is greater than or equal to 110 km/h, digital travel assistance services offer an alternative route taking into account a reduction in the maximum speed of 20 km/h on the portions concerned”said the decree published by the government.
Too short journeys, soon inaccessible for motorists?
In the decree published on August 3, other major changes were also addressed. And one of them concerns in particular short journeys. In some cases, applications such as Google Maps or Waze can no longer offer routes to motorists wishing to make journeys deemed too short. In return, the application redirects the user to other more eco-responsible solutions such as public transport, cycling or walking.