I am writing to express my frustration with several changes introduced over recent versions of Waze. These affect map visibility, voice reporting, and warnings when approaching average speed enforcement zones.

I appreciate the work involved in improving Waze. However, in my experience, these changes have made everyday use more intrusive and less efficient while driving.

For clarity, my sound settings are set to “Alerts only.” I deliberately keep spoken turn-by-turn navigation disabled. The voice feedback described below occurs when I report incidents by voice.

1. Larger panels obscure the map and interfere with reporting

Previously, a compact indicator on the left side of the screen showed progress through traffic jams and average speed enforcement zones, including the remaining distance and relevant timing information. It was easy to glance at without losing sight of the map.

The panels now displayed at the bottom centre take up considerably more space. I cannot readily dismiss them to restore map visibility.

After submitting a report, a confirmation message also temporarily prevents me from submitting another one. Sometimes incidents occur close together, and waiting for a message to disappear means losing the opportunity to report the next issue promptly.

Please consider restoring the compact side indicator, or offering a compact display option. Notifications should also be easy to dismiss and should not block reporting controls.

1. Voice confirmations are unnecessarily long and repetitive

Previously, a brief confirmation such as “Traffic reported” was sufficient. The current system adds conversational wording along the lines of “I’ve reported that for you, thank you.”

I do not need the additional “I’ve,” “for you,” or “thank you.” I need clear confirmation that the report was submitted: “Traffic reported,” “Accident reported,” or “Roadworks reported.”

Hearing the longer responses repeatedly becomes tedious. Voice reporting should reduce the attention required to interact with Waze. Please provide an option for short, factual confirmations without the conversational extras.

1. Voice reporting seems less accurate and asks unnecessary questions

The previous voice reporting system, which responded with a female voice, understood me more reliably. With the current system, I frequently have to repeat myself or answer questions about information I have already provided.

For example, I may explicitly state the severity of a traffic jam, only to be asked what type of traffic I want to report.

If I simply say “Report traffic,” I would also prefer Waze to submit a report using a default severity, such as moderate, rather than require another exchange. That could be an optional preference.

From a user’s perspective, the current experience feels less polished and reliable than the previous one. Repeated misunderstandings and unnecessary follow-up questions make a simple contribution frustrating.

1. Audible warnings before average speed enforcement zones are missing

Previously, I received an audible warning before entering an average speed enforcement zone. I no longer receive that warning.

Could you clarify whether this is an intentional change, a known issue, or controlled by a separate setting? My sound mode remains “Alerts only.”

Advance notification was useful and appreciated. If it has intentionally been removed, please consider restoring it, at least as an option.

These changes discourage contributions

One of Waze’s greatest strengths is that drivers can report incidents and help everyone else. Unfortunately, the combination of obstructive panels, blocked controls, longer spoken responses, and less reliable recognition makes me less inclined to contribute.

I understand that an interface cannot remain unchanged forever. However, changes should deliver practical improvements for the person behind the wheel: clearer information at a glance, fewer interactions, and minimal distraction. The previous layout handled several of these needs better.