Government plans to test out an emergency phone siren could cause chaos on the roads as drivers become startled by the alert, ministers have been told.
The siren and message are due to flash up on people's screens on Sunday, April 23, with their phones locked until they acknowledge the warning.
But discussions are now having to be held with the transport sector, domestic violence charities and sporting officials as well as the police, fire and ambulance services about the trial.
Government officials have met with the RAC to discuss how to mitigate crashes as a result of the alerts.
Edmund King, president of the AA, questioned the decision to test the alert it on a day when “Sunday drivers” – those who are less experienced motorists – take to the roads.
“If they have the phone in the car and an odd sound goes off there could be some form of panic,” he said.
“Even with a hands-free system, the odd sound could mean they reach for the phone. So there’s no doubt there’s a a threat of distraction for some drivers.”
It is understood that motorway signs will also be used in the lead-up to the test to advise drivers not to check or use their phones.
People are able to turn off the alerts within their phone's settings, but it is hoped the benefit of being warned about a life-threatening situation will mean most keep them on.
The alerts have been used in parts of Europe, the US, Canada and Japan and alert people to earthquakes, flooding and wildfires, and could eventually warn of ongoing terror attacks.
Officials have acknowledged however that much more information about how the alerts system operates in the UK would be needed before that could happen in response to a fast-moving attack.
People will not need to take any action after the test on Sunday, April 23 but will need to hit ok for their phone to be functional again.
The Cabinet Office said the alerts are secure, free to receive, and one-way, insisting they do not reveal anyone’s location or collect personal data.
Tests of the service have already taken place in East Suffolk and Reading.
