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The tool, which was launched in the US in 2007, shows images of roadside views taken from a driver's perspective.

Until now the service had not spread outside of certain US cities, but Google has now released images of the Tour de France route, and is planning to launch the service in the UK. Work is believed to have already begun photographing London.

"Yes, we are taking photo to bring Street View to Europe. Our users have been asking for the service ever since we launched in the US and we're very excited about bringing it to Europe," claims a Google spokesperson.

"We will not

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launch in the UK until we are comfortable Street View complies with local law including law relating to the display of images of individuals. We will use technology like face blurring and operational controls such as image removal tools so street view remains useful and in keeping with local norms wherever it is available," the spokesman added.

Street View immediately caused privacy concerns when it was launched in the US. One image caught an identifiable man leaving a strip club, while another showed a woman sunbathing.

In response to the outcry Google announced that it would be blurring the faces of those pictured in images.

Despite assurances from Google that these measures would also be used in Europe, Privacy International has written to the company asking for more technical details. If a satisfactory reply is not received then the group has said it will write to the Information Commissioner's Office asking for a full inquiry.

"In our view they need a person's consent if they make use of a person's face for commercial ends," says Simon Davis of the group, speaking to the BBC.