A petition has been launched calling on Prime Minister Gordon Brown to make changes to the passport system.

Father-of-three Martin Roche, has launched the campaign on the No 10 website urging the Government to tell people when their passport has three months to go before expiry.

Mr Roche who lives just off Merton Lane, Canterbury, is hoping the petition will stop the panic experienced by those travelling abroad.

The idea came about two weeks ago when he was returning from France.

It wasn’t until he and his family reached British customs at Calais that they were told Mr Roche’s 10-year-old son’s passport had run out six weeks ago.

Martin Roche who is a PR consultant said: “Every year countless thousands of people are either refused travel, have to cancel trips or have a last minute panic when they discover their passport, or a childs passport, has expired or is about to expire.

“In numerous other areas reminders are sent - car tax, MOTs, TV licences and income tax, to name a few.

“Sending passport reminders would save a great deal of anxiety, worry, cost and inconvenience and would be a valuable service

“Passports are already expensive and a reminder service should be provided at no added cost.

“Such a system would help the Passport Service to substantially elimiante pressures on staff and resources caused by seasonal surges in last minute applications.”

To sign the petition visit: www.petitions.number10.gov.uk/Passport-elerts/