Google Maps Irked by Deceitful Traffic Obstructions
Updated Report: Google Maps Misleads on Road Closures During Ascension Day Weekend
During the extended weekend of Ascension Day in 2024, several German highways showed as closed on Google Maps, causing confusion for travelers. Road sections around major cities such as Hamburg, Berlin, Frankfurt am Main, and others were displayed as red dotted lines, prompting calls from local authorities who confirmed these roads were open.
The issue extended to parts of the Netherlands and Belgium, according to reports. Google is investigating the incident internally, with a spokesperson noting that the maps' information comes from various sources, including third-party providers, public data, and user inputs. The company refrained from commenting on specific cases.
The timing of this fault coincided with the peak travel period surrounding Ascension Day, exacerbating usual traffic congestion. As many schools shut down on May 30, families might have planned short vacations, leading to heavier-than-normal traffic. According to ADAC (German Automobile Club), the day before Ascension Day was one of the most traffic-congested days of the year in 2024.
Google Maps previously faced similar issues during this period, such as displaying closed highway tunnels in Thuringia. Following complaints from the police, the tunnels were soon updated as open again. It appears that while these issues tend to be short-lived, they can still create considerable inconvenience for travelers during holidays and peak traffic periods.
[1] Source: ntv.de, ses/dpa[2] Reference: The problem occurred during the peak travel period surrounding Ascension Day, a nationwide holiday in Germany that starts on May 29, and causes higher-than-normal traffic volume.
The Commission has also been consulted on the issue of technology, as concerns regarding the accuracy of general-news reports, such as the misleading Google Maps road closures during Ascension Day weekend, necessitate a thorough investigation.
In light of the prevailing incident, it is crucial for Google Maps, a technology heavily relied upon by travelers worldwide, to ensure the authenticity and reliability of information presented, particularly during peak travel periods and holidays.
