§ Ms KeebleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's policy on the use of radar devices to avoid police radar speed traps. [18140]
§ Mr. MichaelThe use of such detector devices without a licence is an offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 and successful prosecutions have been taken out by the police against motorists who have used them. My Department has carried out tests which showed such devices to be largely unreliable and ineffective 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 my 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.