CONCERNS about speeding raised by a road safety campaigner from Exeter could see the BBC's Top Gear come with a health warning in future.

Nina Morgan, who lost her only son in a crash in which the driver was going at more than 100mph 40 years ago, wants the show to give a warning at the start for people not to copy the presenters' antics.

Currently screened on BB2 on Sunday nights, the three presenters, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, can regularly be seen racing at great speed and taking part in daredevil stunts.

Mrs Morgan, 84, of Magdalen Road, said: "I watch the show and it is an exciting and well-balanced programme. The only thing that concerns me is the demonstration of high speeding in cars and the effect it has on young inexperienced drivers.

"I would like to see a warning put up before the programme informing viewers not to try to copy the high-speed driving.

"The team who drive these cars are all experienced and know of the risks they are taking. But as role models, they could give the wrong message."

Mrs Morgan initially raised her concerns with Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw who passed them on to Lord Adonis of the Department for Transport.

In response, the peer said the department did not comment on individual programmes, and suggested she pursue the matter with the BBC.

Mrs Morgan has now received a letter from the BBC to say her request for a warning had been registered on the audience log and the producers were going to survey staff opinion.

This would include members of the BBC Executive Board, channel controller and other senior managers and a decision on whether to introduce a warning would be made on this basis.

Mrs Morgan said: "I am pleased by this reaction and it looks like they are taking notice. I will be watching and waiting to see if they put the warning in place but I am determined to make it happen.

"There is nothing like the moment the police come to the door to tell you your son's dead. Knowing that he would be married by now, I would have a daughter-in-law and probably grandchildren is still far too painful to think about.

"This was all taken away because of an irresponsible driver who lost control at 103mph on a country road.

"I have been campaigning for better road safety ever since. I am patient but if Top Gear doesn't do anything I will give a gentle reminder."