Radio wave technology could halt getaway cars

Police could end dangerous car chases at the flick of a switch if tests on a new electronic system are successful.

The method works by blasting the target car with a pulse of high-energy radio waves which disable the computers controlling fuel supply and ignition - forcing the vehicle to lose power and coast to a halt.

Police in Britain and the US have ordered tests on the system, which could cut the number of high-speed pursuits ending in death or serious injury. Officers have relied up to now on road blocks or tyre-puncturing "stinger" strips.

At a science conference tomorrow, physics professor David Giri will describe recent trials of the device he has developed for the US Marine Corps and Los Angeles police.

The tests showed a target car can be stopped from up to 50 metres away. Dr Giri said: "It works on most cars built in the last 10 years because their engines are controlled by computer chips."