Automatic locks
Waze uses a simple system to assess automatic lock levels for segments. Segments are divided into one of 5 groups based on how many Wazers use them. The busiest group of segments get an auto-level of 5, the next busiest get 4 and so on. This is an entirely objective and automatic system.
In the UK, we have chosen to limit auto-locks to 4: so the 2 busiest groups of segments will both get an auto-lock level of 4. Automatic locking is an vital part of protecting the busiest parts of the UK map.
A segment can be manually locked to any level (1-6) or to it's auto-level. When auto-locking was introduced, every segment that was manually locked at it's assessed auto-level was changed to the auto-level. Waze periodically re-assesses the segment groups and the lock level of any segment that is auto-locked can change automatically when this happens.
- Unless there are special circumstance, no segment should be manually locked BELOW it's auto-level.
- Any segments manually locked AT their auto-level should be auto-locked instead. This will allow the periodic re-assessment to change the lock levels as appropriate.
- Segments may be manually locked ABOVE their auto-level, if required as detailed elsewhere on this page. For example, ALL segments of Motorway and their junctions will be manually locked at 5.
- If most of a road is auto-locked at a higher level than a few segments, those segments should be manually locked to a higher level.