Mapquest Route Planner

Mapquest is one of the simplest route planners on the internet. But it's good that way. If you don't want to mess around with "via's" finding hotels on the way, etc etc, then it's useful enough.

The itinerary is simple too. But if you think about it, when you're driving, you need something that has the most pertinent information stand out. Mapquest doesn't do this. It would be almost fine if you've got someone else in the car that could help.

But there are some simple problems. At one stage it says "Enter next roundabout and take second exit ... [then] stay STRAIGHT to go onto M6." This could be more clear as it doesn't say "towards Birmingham" or "head South".

Then later on it says "M6 becomes M1". This is too simplistic, only if you've got the maps open and printed will you know that it bends round to the right and have to continue. Some may feel that you've got a junction, as is the case joining the M6 there.

These points may be picky, but the directions need to be clear and unambiguous.

Route Planners Rating: 6/10.