New rules preventing sat navs from sending lorry drivers down inappropriate routes are being planned.
The proposals are designed to stop hundreds of truckers rat-running through villages and side-streets.
Firms supplying the guidance information could also be forced to include information on weight and height restrictions on electronic maps.
Safety may be improved by preventing drivers from programming the systems while driving.
It is said that thousands of lorry drivers use cheap sat navs designed for cars and frequently get stuck under low bridges.
The Society for the Protection of Buildings has already expressed its dismay at a large number of old structures being destroyed by lost truckers.
A Department for Transport report published yesterday said that the problem lies in the fact that most systems were portable, meaning truck drivers were using routes designed for cars.
One option the DfT has is to introduce a licence system for the devices; however some manufacturers say they would oppose it.