Scotland

Fishing safety fears force Navy to turn off GPS jammers

The Royal Navy has had to shut down satnav signal jamming technology used in Exercise Joint Warrior.

It follows a complaint that it was disrupting fishing fleets and could block internet access and mobile phone coverage in Scotland.

The Ministry of Defence says warning notices about GPS jamming were sent out by email, posted on the Scottiish government website and broadcast by local coastguards on VHF bands.

A guide was also published with maps showing where GPS signals might be lost.

An MOD spokesman said it appeared one vessel had complained having experienced difficulties and the decision was taken to turn off the jammers in the interests of safety.