Speed trap warnings may be switched off in terror fight

A move to prevent terrorism across Europe could spell the end of speed trap warnings on satnavs as the government has sent details to the European Commission of its intention to ban services that “warn of police operations”.

The plan, ready to be put into place in the form of a decree, has to go to Europe for its views but if there is no response within three months then it could become reality in France.

While drivers with Coyote, Tomtom or Waze satnavs will need to keep an eye on their speedos and for fixed radars, the government says its key aim is prevent people being warned of high-security police operations.

Users will not be allowed to give warning of police searches, on-the-spot checks or road blocks and, for a major operation, the device manufacturers will be obliged to suppress warnings for 24 hours for a 20km radius round a specific area.

The government does recognise that another key argument for banning warnings – against a background of 31% of fatal road accidents involving alcohol – is to avoid people giving warnings of the random breath or drug tests that police and gendarmes organise across the country.

If it comes into force, the decree would see offenders face a fine of €1,500.

When the Sarkozy government previously tried to ban satnavs from giving exact speed camera warnings in 2011 it had to water down its plans in the face of a rebellion by millions of users.

The Ligue de défense des Conducteurs has set up a petition condemning the ban and the use of the terror scare to justify it. It was set up on Wednesday and has already drawn 100,000 signatures.