Now Google’s at the petrol pump, too

Drivers filling up their petrol tanks will soon be able to while away the time doing a quick Google search for how to get to their next destination, according to Time.com.

A petrol-pump manufacturer called Gilbarco Veeder-Root will soon roll out thousands of new pumps across the US that come with a built-in screen and internet connection to display the Google Maps application.

The plan is to allow the petrol station owner to select a list of local hotels, restaurants or attractions they can highlight on the map – in effect, giving them a new advertising revenue source.

But drivers will also be able to hunt around for the destination they’re heading for, just in case they left their paper map at home. Once they’ve figured out where they’re going, a printer built into the pump will print out the directions to follow when they drive away.