What will become illegal, what won’t – and when?
The recently published Road Safety Bill outlined many proposed changes in the law regarding the use of motor vehicles – including some relating to the possible ban of certain speed trap detectors.
We’re aware that there is some confusion about what kind of devices will be included in the ban – and when this is likely to happen. This has been exacerbated by inaccurate press reporting and media misunderstanding. We have liaised directly with the Department for Transport over this issue to ascertain the facts and the likely timescales.
As we know, one proposal stipulates that GPS speed trap locations systems will remain legal, but radar and laser based detection devices will become illegal.
If the law is passed this means that radar and laser detectors will not only become illegal to use, but illegal to carry in the vehicle. As you may be aware, most speed trap location systems these days use both GPS and laser - which is where a potential conflict arises.
This law could be seriously bad news for many owners of non-Origin systems as most use an integrated GPS and laser detector in one unit – this will render the whole system illegal.
Current and future owners of the Origin b2 and Origin b2 Solo systems have no such worries, as Origin use a separate laser detection facility that can easily be unplugged and removed in seconds. This means that Origin systems will remain legal if the ban is passed.
Timescales
The Department for Transport has told Origin that the absolute earliest any ban is likely to become law is not until the latter half of 2006. The reason why this proposed ban could take over eighteen months to become law is down to the lengthy procedures required for a bill to go through Parliament. If progress is delayed due to other Parliamentary business, then this could take even longer. As Parliament is now dissolved, this has already created a delay.
A statement the DfT made to us reiterates that GPS speed detection devices will not be outlawed unless the device has an integrated laser detection system. In fact, the Government actively supports the use of information that enables drivers to know where cameras are sited.
Origin Technologies founder and Director Tim Rock said,
“We want to assure all owners of the Origin b2 and Origin b2 Solo speed trap location systems that they will not have to discard their unit if the ban goes through. Taking off the laser detection device takes seconds so drivers can be sure that their units will remain future-proof should the law change”.
More details about the Future-proof Origin Driver Information systems
The Origin b2 and the Origin b2 Solo warns against ALL types of speed cameras including:
- Gatso
- Truvelo
- SPECS average speed cameras
- DS2 speedmaster
- Mobile/Handheld police laser traps
- Congestion Charging Cameras (time sensitive)
In addition, alerts are provided for known Accident Blackspots and Schools (time sensitive).
The new Origin b2 and the Origin b2 Solo are competitively priced at £429.95 including VAT and delivery and are available directly from originb2.com or via approved Origin resellers.
