Google Maps Australia Will Now Have Speed Limit And Camera Alerts

Picture this: you're driving down the road, you're enjoying your music, and something catches your eye for a second. A minute or two later you see a flash in your rear view mirror and realise you've just been done by a speed camera.

That thing that caught your eye distracted you from seeing the big SPEED CAMERA AHEAD sign and now you've copped a decent fine and some demerit points.

Sure, we should be alert to our surroundings at all times, but sometimes we miss things and subsequently get punished for that. But hopefully that'll be a thing of the past for people who use Google Maps in Australia.

Google has announced it will let motorists be alerted to speed cameras as well as be speed limit changes in their area so they never have an excuse up their sleeve.

A company spokesperson told news.com.au: "Since last year, Android users in Australia have had the ability to report speed traps, speed cameras, and crashes straight from their mobile app.

"These reports will appear on the map within minutes, helping nearby drivers better plan and navigate their route.

"Users will also be able to verify reports with a quick voting tool to help ensure accuracy."

If it's based off user input, you might be able to alert others about mobile speed trackers.

Google bought company Waze in 2013, which allowed users to put in things like RBTs (random breath tests) and speed cameras. It's taken that long for the technology to be rolled out across Google Maps in Australia - which is a bloody long time not to reap the benefits.

But at least it's finally here for the every day driver.

The speed limit feature addition isn't actually a new one, although its use was previously restricted to certain areas - in San Francisco Bay and Rio De Janeiro it's already been available for over a year.

This change will be a particular boost to drivers in New South Wales considering there was a recommendation to get rid of warning signs across the state. While the suggestion hasn't been enacted yet, no one has ruled it out in the future.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Technology, Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie