Uber drivers cut across Southfield lawn because GPS maps show private driveway as public road

James Campbell’s front lawn in Southfield, Michigan, is becoming a thoroughfare for ride-share drivers. The problem stems from a mapping error in GPS applications that identify his private driveway as a public through-road. Drivers following these routes hit a dead end and then drive across the grass to reach their destinations. Campbell states that this activity occurs nearly every day on his property, which sits off a dirt road.

The Campbell home features a horseshoe-shaped driveway accessible from two different streets. While the driveway is private, certain navigation apps display it as an open road. When vehicles arrive at the end of the driveway and find it blocked by parked cars or the house itself, the apps instruct drivers to proceed forward. Consequently, cars drive over the turf to continue to their final coordinates. Campbell has captured hundreds of these instances using a Ring doorbell camera.

Campbell lives with his wife and two children, both under the age of five. He describes the situation as a safety hazard. In direct interactions with motorists, the explanation is always the same. One driver admitted, "I'm an Uber driver and this is where Uber sent me. I apologize, sir." Campbell notes that every driver he has stopped was following an app while working for Uber. He points out the absurdity of the situation, asking if a driver would follow a GPS instruction to drive into the Detroit River if the app suggested it.

The homeowner has attempted to solve the issue through physical signage and digital reporting. He has placed signs at both ends of the driveway indicating it is private. He and his wife have submitted multiple reports to Uber and other navigation services through their respective apps. Despite these efforts, the route remains active in the mapping data. Campbell says the feedback loop offers no resolution, with companies directing them to fill out forms that do not update the map data.

Uber responded to the reports, acknowledging that the situation is concerning. The company is currently investigating the specific location. Uber stated that drivers are required to follow standard traffic rules and posted signs. The company also noted that drivers are permitted to use third-party navigation applications for their routes. Campbell continues to monitor the driveway, hoping for a technical fix that removes the private path from the public route options.

The conflict remains unresolved as of this week. Drivers continue to use the mapped route, and the physical signs have not altered the digital data. Campbell maintains that the fix is simple: the private driveway needs to stop appearing as a valid road on the maps. Until the data is corrected, his lawn serves as a shortcut for Uber drivers navigating the Southfield area.