· Dashboard radar detectors face ban

Sales of GPS speed camera devices set to treble

Up to half a million motorists could face prosecution this year when the proposed ban on laser and radar detectors comes into force, according to Cyclops, the makers of a GPS based speed camera alert system.
Under the governments Road Safety Bill, all stand alone and integrated devices that use radar or laser to warn the driver of mobile speed patrols will be outlawed.
The only systems deemed legal under the proposed new legislation will be those systems which rely on satellite technology to provide the driver with an advance warning of speed enforcement areas.

The market for in-car driver aids has exploded during the past 18 months as the number of fixed road safety cameras jumped to well over 5000. During 2004 an estimated 3 million fixed penalty fines were issued with thousands losing their license in the process. It is conservatively estimated that the number of vehicles carrying radar or laser detectors stands at over 500,000.

Despite the impending ban of these detector systems, Cyclops anticipates the governments plan will actually fuel the market for the safer GPS based alert systems.
“The ban on laser detectors is now pretty clear to the industry. However, clarification of the changes in the law for drivers will (unlock) significant demand from consumers who have, up until now, been unsure of the legality of different systems on the market.”
By harnessing intelligent satellite technology motorists are able to pin point their exact position in comparison to a database of mobile and fixed road safety camera sites across the UK. As the driver nears a site, they automatically receive an audible and visual warning from a dashboard mounted box.
With a maximum of six points for motorists caught excessively speeding (for example 45mph in a 30mph zone), some could lose their license in just two offences under the new legislation.
This will further stimulate the market for GPS systems even more. “Sales of GPS driver aids will soar during the second half of the year” state Cyclops.

John Connor
Auto Insight Midlands
February 11th 2005