If you’re in the Maps Beta you’ll have seen this functionality previously and in announcements for overseas markets back in July, but finally the ability to report accidents and speed cameras has come to Google Maps in Australia.
The new ability to add accidents and speed cameras pops up in your Maps Directions navigation with a ‘+’ in a magnifying glass in the bottom left corner of your display, which pops up the toast menu to select either Crash or Speed Camera. Once reported an icon representing either a crash or speed trap shows up on the route. Curiously the crash and speed trap reports don’t show up if you switch to another user and travel the same route – it may likely take more than one report.
The addition of marking crashes is wonderful for the mainstream release, as it makes clear the reasons for hold ups ahead when Maps offers you a diversion to avoid traffic snarls. And while speeding isn’t something anyone condones, having the ability to add speed camera locations will give other users following you an early heads up that they’re approaching a laser gun to avoid those unfortunate moments of inattention costing dearly.
The continual development of Google Maps and integration of Waze functionality means that it’s not just a navigation aid, but a travel companion for daily commute too. Perhaps a quick tap add to show where Roadworks are could be next to assist in areas where they’re a continual cause of traffic congestion?
What functionality would you like to see on Google Maps next?
