Over use of laser jamming systems
It's a heart stopping moment which every motorist dreads – a
police officer points a radar gun at your car clocking you over the
speed limit.
Drivers found speeding face being fined and having points added
to their licence however an increasing number are using hi-tech
equipment to evade speed guns.
Officers from Acle Road Policing are warning drivers about the
consequences of using laser jamming devices which confuse speed
guns.
The electronic gadget works by alerting the driver to laser
speed detectors and temporarily prevents it from taking a reading,
therefore allowing the driver time to slow down.
The device can be purchased and fitted to a vehicle for around
£355 and while it is not illegal to own or install such a device on
a vehicle it is an offence to block police speed guns.
Anyone found to be using this device to avoid speeding tickets
face getting a criminal record and a fine.
Last night (September 6) traffic officers arrested a sixth
driver for using a jamming device after police were unable to get a
speed reading from a Mercedes travelling towards Great
Yarmouth.
The vehicle was stopped and the 57-year-old driver was arrested
on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. He has been
released on police bail until October 2.
It is one of five cases currently being pursued by police and
follows a successful prosecution in July where a driver was given a
six month conditional discharge and fined £85 after he admitted
using a laser jammer for obstructing police.
Sgt Geoff Bowers said the devices would not be tolerated on
Norfolk’s roads.
He said: “Motorists using these devices clearly have no regard
for speed limits and consequently are a danger to themselves and
other road users. They are also obstructing police officers in the
course of their duty.
I hope the arrests and conviction act as a firm warning to
motorists considering using such a device. Drivers using laser
jammers face getting a criminal record and having their car
seized.”