HC Deb 26 April 1985 vol 77 c557W
Mr. Roger King

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what modifications in construction and usage have been introduced to the hand-held radar gun following the criticism by a Gwent court in south Wales four years ago.

Mr. Giles Shaw

A report published in 1984 by the Scientific Research and Development Branch of the Home Office, concluded that the hand-held radar speedmeters were accurate and reliable and that the probability of an inaccurate reading was very low when the devices were used in accordance with instructions by a trained officer.

Following the report's recommendations the Association of Chief Police Officers has taken action aimed at ensuring common training standards and the following minor modifications are being made to the devices:

  1. (1) the removal of the HI/LO switch.
  2. (2) the removal of the recall facility.
  3. (3) the fitting of a cut out device which prevents the operation of the speedmeter when the battery supply falls below the minimum operating voltage specified by the manufacturer.

These changes are being made in the interests of simplicity of operation.