ORGANISATIONS such as the AA, RAC, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and Sold Secure, have joined forces to form the Radio Activated Key Entry Committee (RAKE) in an attempt to avert a potential epidemic of car lock-outs caused by radio signals interfering with remote key fobs.

The AA and RAC estimate that 8,800 breakdowns so far this year can be attributed to remote key fobs being 'blocked' by stronger radio transmissions, 'drowning out' the signal from the keys and preventing the driver gaining access to the car. Although a standard frequency of 433.92 MHz for radio keys became European Law last year, several other radio users - including the MoD, amateur radio hams and most recently, traffic information systems - are already legally allowed to use the frequency.

In the short term, RAKE aims to raise public awareness of the problem and educate drivers on how to overcome it, but longer term, the group wants to ensure manufacturers and security equipment suppliers incorporate user-friendly alternative access methods, enabling the driver to bypass the security system without making the vehicle any more vulnerable to thieves. Ultimately, RAKE wants to establish a dedicated and protected frequency to isolate radio key entry systems from any interference.