Dutch navigation systems producer TomTom indirectly supplies user information which helps police authorities decide the location of roadside speed traps.

A spokesperson for TomTom said they were surprised to read the report in today’s daily Algemeen Dagblad, which claimed that information TomTom sells to an intermediary is then sold on to the police. 

“We didn’t realise that – it’s a bit of an unpleasant surprise. We have to agree what we actually think about it all.”

Terms and conditions
The company’s terms and conditions stipulate that data gleaned from the GPS systems can be sold to a third party. Motorists who have agreed to these terms share information through the internet about their driving behaviour. 

“That way we can predict traffic jams with more accuracy. The data is sold to various parties, including council authorities. They can use it to help make decisions on building new roads.”

Disappointing
TomTom is the largest producer of navigation equipment for cars and mobile phones in Europe, but is behind Garmin in the US. It employs some 3,500 people and has offices in Europe, the US and Taiwan.

The Dutch concern published first-quarterly figures today, showing a sharp drop in profits compared to the same period last year. The company expects the overall result in 2011 will be disappointing. Share prices have also dropped by 4.2 percent since the announcement of its figures. Analysts say TomTom is affected by increased competition from navigation services on smartphones.

(jn/ae/imm)

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