Motorists told to ditch sat navs abroad

Motorists heading abroad on a cross-channel ferry have been advised to ditch their sat navs, if they want to avoid a clash with the local police.

According to KentOnline, there are 13 countries in Europe which do not allow in-car devices that alert motorists to speed cameras and being caught with such an aid could result in "serous penalties".

Neil Greig of IAM Motoring Trust told the news provider that there have been a number of instances where the local police force has "literally ripped" sat navs out of motorists' vehicles.

He added: "The best thing to do is check if detectors are permitted in the country you plan to visit or simply don't take one with you."

Germany is one country which has banned the navigation systems; drivers in the nation can face a 75 euro (£59) fine if caught using such a device.

Earlier this month, motorists were advised by rural insurance provider NFU Mutual to ensure that their car insurance would cover them driving abroad, Money News reports.