The reliability of satellite navigation in systems has been questioned for residents of Birmingham and Coventry, prompting warnings for hire car drivers in the area who rely too heavily on the technology.

An ambulance driver who works out of the Birmingham City Hospital was faced with the loss of his job following an incident earlier this year when he was pulled over by local police after driving the wrong way on a one-way road. Avtar Suniara was in his own car at the time.

Mr Suniara was at the time attempting to find a local business with the help of his friend and passenger who was guiding him through the city streets using the satnav system.

A combination of incorrect satnav information and vandalised street signs was deemed to be the reason for his error. The issue was further complicated by police officers not being able to locate his vehicle details on their database in an administrative mix up, resulting in threats to have his car impounded.

In his defence, Suniara claimed that as it was his first visit to the area he relied totally on the satnav guidance as the road signs had either been taped over or damaged.

Suriana was initially advised by officers that he would have a 9 point penalty imposed upon his license, which was eventually reduced to just 3 points allowing him to keep his job as a driver.

The incident came during a week where David Beckham was also seen breaching road laws by texting whilst driving.