Google Maps to stop telling people to drive over Ilkeston Market Place

Credit: The Office of Adam Thompson MP

Currently, online mapping providers like Google Maps and Apple Maps will sometimes direct people to cut across the market place from Pimlico to South Street – driving directly in front of Ilkeston town hall and the John Warren pub.

That entrance to the Market Place has a ‘no motor vehicles’ sign, with the clarification below ‘except for access’. The relevant traffic regulation order (TRO) provided by Derbyshire County Council also makes clear that this route, from Pimlico to South Street, is not permitted.

Last week, Adam Thompson MP wrote to the UK public affairs teams at Google and Apple, requesting that they change their maps to stop directing people to take that route. The TRO was also supplied as evidence.

Google and Apple have now both agreed to update their maps.

Google stated that the change would take up to 48 hours to take effect, while Apple claimed it would only be a few hours. People have particularly raised the frequency of taxi drivers using the illegal through-route. This change is important because Uber uses Google Maps for its directions.

Erewash MP, Adam Thompson said: “Last summer, more than 7000 people from Ilkeston and the surrounding area signed my petition to make Ilkeston market place safer. Having worked since I was elected with the family of Samuel Wilson, I take this campaign very seriously. I’m thankful that Google and Apple have agreed to make the changes we need so quickly, and I’ll keep pushing for more important work to be done.”

Councillor Harrison Broadhurst, who represents Ilkeston town centre on Erewash Borough Council, said: “This is a real win for Ilkeston. For too long, people have been supposed to be enjoying the market place, perhaps with a drink in hand from the Warren or the King’s Head. But too often, cars come soaring past, driving where they’re not meant to be. I am very grateful to Adam for the work he has put into this. I hope this means local people can feel safer when enjoying our proud and historic town centre.”