The rules might apply to pilots in planes as well

The run-up to the showpiece football tournament has seen a spate of drivers in England proudly displaying their national flag from windows and car aerials.

Leading supermarkets have estimated that they have sold more than 100,000 flags to England fans.

Sainsbury's is selling an England supporters' pack which includes a car flag and an England bumper sticker.

We're not in the business of trying to destroy anybody's fun Supt Neil Haynes Metropolitan Police Is the flag patriotic? Send us your views

But police and motoring organisations are worried that flags carried on some vehicles could put cyclists and pedestrians at risk, as well as the drivers themselves, if they are too large or badly positioned.

The AA points out that police can fine drivers �2,500 and impose three penalty points if a flag is deemed to obscure the vision of the driver.

Supt Neil Haynes, of the Metropolitan Police, said: "We're not in the business of trying to destroy anybody's fun.