§ Mr. CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to prohibit the sale of speed camera detectors; and if he will make a statement. [19467]
§ Mr. MichaelThe use of such detector devices without a license is already an offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 and successful prosecutions have been taken out by the police against motorists who have used them. This Department has carried out tests which showed such devices to be largely unreliable and ineffective. We have no plans to create a new offence but we have asked the Association of Chief Police Officers Traffic Committee to keep us informed of any significant increase in the use of these devices and of any difficulties which forces experience. In addition, where an advertisement for such a device is brought to this Department's attention we lodge the papers with the Advertising Standards Authority so that the Authority can ensure that the advertising copy makes the legal position clear.