Motorist arrested for using laser jammer
11 February 2003, 12:29 PM
#1
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Ok, so this isn't in today's "quality" press, so i can't vouch for it's validity, but does anyone have any further info..?
SPEED CHEAT'S NICKED
A motorist armed with a laser has become the first person in Britain to be arrested for using the gadget on police cameras.
The driver allegedly jammed speed detectors with the hi-tech device which is not yet illegal.
The in-car jammers alert the driver to laser speed detectors and temporarily stop the cameras from getting a reading.
Police roadside cameras in south Wales allegedly clocked the driver six times but were unable to make a reading.
John Rowling from the Mid and South Wales safety Camera Partnership said: "I hope this arrest acts as a clear warning to those using such devices to enable them to drive in excess of the legal speed limit."
So, if they're not illegal, what was he arrested for? Anyone know??
SPEED CHEAT'S NICKED
A motorist armed with a laser has become the first person in Britain to be arrested for using the gadget on police cameras.
The driver allegedly jammed speed detectors with the hi-tech device which is not yet illegal.
The in-car jammers alert the driver to laser speed detectors and temporarily stop the cameras from getting a reading.
Police roadside cameras in south Wales allegedly clocked the driver six times but were unable to make a reading.
John Rowling from the Mid and South Wales safety Camera Partnership said: "I hope this arrest acts as a clear warning to those using such devices to enable them to drive in excess of the legal speed limit."
So, if they're not illegal, what was he arrested for? Anyone know??
11 February 2003, 12:33 PM
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...and what was he charged with?
Obstructing a police officer in the course of his duties, or something like that would be my guess, or attempting to pevert the course of justice.
It's a bit like arresting someone for wearing gloves because they're stopping the police from taking finger prints. Although not a lot like it
Obstructing a police officer in the course of his duties, or something like that would be my guess, or attempting to pevert the course of justice.
It's a bit like arresting someone for wearing gloves because they're stopping the police from taking finger prints. Although not a lot like it
11 February 2003, 12:35 PM
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Im hoping if this is true it will lead to a test case as took place with detectors & makes them lajit 
Subsection 28c 
that he/she gets away with it & they r then legal for all to use
Here's hoping anyway but surely arrest is only initial proceding although if he got 6 warning beeps & still continued speeding & left it on then they r probably pretty thick anyway & thus wont do owt
Si
Subsection 28c that he/she gets away with it & they r then legal for all to use Here's hoping anyway but surely arrest is only initial proceding although if he got 6 warning beeps & still continued speeding & left it on then they r probably pretty thick anyway & thus wont do owt
Si
11 February 2003, 12:46 PM
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True. He's been arrested but not yet prosecuted. Presumably they would have to prove that he had "perverted the course of justice" by proving that he had been speeding? Perhaps they'll get him with "intent" by the fact that he had fitted, and was operating the jammer?
Could be an interesting one, this one....
Matt.
Could be an interesting one, this one....
Matt.
11 February 2003, 12:51 PM
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Aren't people using laser jammers as a means of detecting cameras etc. Camera etc are of course placed at accident blackspots and therefore the laser jammers are spotting the accident blackspots and reminding drivers to check their speed.
Isn't checking speed what this is all about?
Chris
Isn't checking speed what this is all about?
Chris
11 February 2003, 12:53 PM
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"I hope this arrest acts as a clear warning to those using such devices to enable them to drive in excess of the legal speed limit," he added.
I would say that everybody on SN breaks the speed limit at least once every time they use their car for a journey over a couple of miles.
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11 February 2003, 12:53 PM
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As I understand it, Cameras use Radar and not Laser. Many new mobile (hand held) speed guns are now Laser and I think some "Safety" Vans.....
This is also being discussed on 5ive-o.com
Matt
Vans.....This is also being discussed on 5ive-o.com
Matt
11 February 2003, 12:58 PM
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If it is illegal to use a laser jammer to detect the laser gun (and in the process jam it) and then slow down to the legal limit. Then surely it is illegal to use your eyes to see a GATSO and then use your foot to brake and slow down to the legal limit? Or am I missing the point?!
11 February 2003, 01:32 PM
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"shouldnt the rozzers be looking out for terrorits?"
good thinking! lets retrain all traffic cops to work undercover in bagdad
in fact the security bloke at my local tescos looks board...maybe he could be a codebreaker or something?
good thinking! lets retrain all traffic cops to work undercover in bagdad
in fact the security bloke at my local tescos looks board...maybe he could be a codebreaker or something?
11 February 2003, 01:54 PM
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I would say that everybody on SN breaks the speed limit at least once every time they use their car for a journey over a couple of miles
11 February 2003, 01:55 PM
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Radar jammers I can understand to be illegal as there are very strict rules with regards to transmission in the radio spectrum.
However, how can they make laser devices illegal as it is not illegal to trasmit light. The only thing I can think of is that the lighting regulations for cars does state that white light is to be shown at the front and red at the rear. However if the laser light isn't visible to humans, how can it be a problem ?
What is to say that this laser jammer in question was actually working ? Maybe the police laser speed gun was just broken or that is was being affected by the light of Venus bouncing off a pocket of marsh gas ?
Lawyers will have fun with this one I'm sure.
Cheers
Ian
However, how can they make laser devices illegal as it is not illegal to trasmit light. The only thing I can think of is that the lighting regulations for cars does state that white light is to be shown at the front and red at the rear. However if the laser light isn't visible to humans, how can it be a problem ?
What is to say that this laser jammer in question was actually working ? Maybe the police laser speed gun was just broken or that is was being affected by the light of Venus bouncing off a pocket of marsh gas ?
Lawyers will have fun with this one I'm sure.
Cheers
Ian
11 February 2003, 01:55 PM
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Radar Jammers = emit a signal, and therefore fall under the Wireless Transmission Act.
Radar Diffusers = although a passive device, could be construed as perverting the course.
Radar Detectors = 100% Legal
Radar Diffusers = although a passive device, could be construed as perverting the course.
Radar Detectors = 100% Legal
11 February 2003, 02:15 PM
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The diffusers detect and emit light in the infra-red spectrum. Has anyone seen what a TV remote control activation looks like on video tape?
11 February 2003, 02:29 PM
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I disagree - a jammer emits light, not a radio signal. Therefore, it isn't covered by the 1949 Wireless Telegraphy Act.
Theres no actual law i'm aware of that stops the use of jammers - but as usual they'll find a law that fits it.
Tje 1949 law was hardly invented with Radar dets in mind but the police used it for years to "stop" their use. As i recall when it was overruled, to fall under the 1949 act, a transmission has to be in some way understandable by a human, and carry some type of message. Thats what was successfully challenged in court as obviously any emmissions from the detector are not.
They'll prosecute on obstruction or something, i have no doubt, then in 2 years we'll have the 2005 Lasar Jammer act!
Theres no actual law i'm aware of that stops the use of jammers - but as usual they'll find a law that fits it.
Tje 1949 law was hardly invented with Radar dets in mind but the police used it for years to "stop" their use. As i recall when it was overruled, to fall under the 1949 act, a transmission has to be in some way understandable by a human, and carry some type of message. Thats what was successfully challenged in court as obviously any emmissions from the detector are not.
They'll prosecute on obstruction or something, i have no doubt, then in 2 years we'll have the 2005 Lasar Jammer act!
11 February 2003, 02:57 PM
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There are certain laser jammers, as i recall, which work on the basis that they are garage door openers which are looking for the relevant signal etc & then send a signal to open it which coincidently also sends out suitable jammy thing when a laser speedo thingy is used. I recall this was the LE0850 which they dont make any more SHUX! Any1 selling 1 i want it
Si
SHUX! Any1 selling 1 i want it Si
11 February 2003, 04:59 PM
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There just pi$$ed off because it's loseing them revenue
I have just read this one on the BBC site What the **** is this all about from J Rowling!
BBC one with the quote below??
What that aiming a laser device at someone I suppose he must mean the police as the aim laser devices at us
Huxley
[Edited by Huxley - 2/11/2003 5:11:39 PM]
I have just read this one on the BBC site What the **** is this all about from J Rowling!
BBC one with the quote below??
The use of such devices is extremely dangerous
John Rowling,
Safety Camera Partnership
John Rowling,
Safety Camera Partnership
he must mean the police as the aim laser devices at usHuxley
[Edited by Huxley - 2/11/2003 5:11:39 PM]
11 February 2003, 06:01 PM
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As the adverts for most speed trap detectors say, people who use radar detectors have less accidents than average motorists despite driving faster than the average motorist. It's all about being aware of your surroundings and the appropriateness (nice word) of your speed.
"The use of such devices is extremely dangerous as it gives the motorist licence to drive at inappropriate speeds, putting the safety of other road users at risk. "
"The use of such devices is extremely dangerous as it gives the motorist licence to drive at inappropriate speeds, putting the safety of other road users at risk. "
12 February 2003, 04:02 AM
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Ian Godney, I think it is generally agreed that the optimum package is a GPs detector and a laser-jammer. Road Angel is best, and also the jammer runs directly off a 'convenient' socket on the back and triggers the Angel's warning display.
The only jammer that works is a Snooper summat or other. I've seen packages advertised in the back of Max Power for £500, I think - might have been £600. Check www.blackspot.com for retail stockists. Just two sensors either side of the front number plate, angled slight upwards for optimum results. Mail Floyd for fitting details as he's done a couple now with a neat in-line switch to kill the jammer once you've quickly checked your speed
Floyd has a very neat installation with the Angel fitted inside the centre-dash pod (Classic model). It still works fine and no more hassle plugging in and out for fear of theiving eye. Cool stealth mod
Richard.
The only jammer that works is a Snooper summat or other. I've seen packages advertised in the back of Max Power for £500, I think - might have been £600. Check www.blackspot.com for retail stockists. Just two sensors either side of the front number plate, angled slight upwards for optimum results. Mail Floyd for fitting details as he's done a couple now with a neat in-line switch to kill the jammer once you've quickly checked your speed
Floyd has a very neat installation with the Angel fitted inside the centre-dash pod (Classic model). It still works fine and no more hassle plugging in and out for fear of theiving eye. Cool stealth mod
Richard.
12 February 2003, 06:24 PM
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From the FAQ available at the URL mentioned in http://www.scoobynet.co.uk/bbs/threa...hreadid=176765...
SPEED ENFORCEMENT DETECTION DEVICES (SEDD)
Q1 What is the Government’s position on the use of SEDD in motor
vehicles?
We believe drivers who purchase SEDD do so primarily to avoid being caught speeding. It is our belief that drivers should stay within speed limits at all times. Not just in areas where they think they will be caught.
Q2 Is it true that the Government intends to ban devices for warning drivers of cameras and other enforcement devices, so called radar and laser detectors and diffusers?
The DfT has conducted a consultation exercise on whether to ban the
installation and use of speed enforcement detector devices in motor vehicles. Officials are currently considering the responses to the consultation and an announcement will be made when Ministers have decided how to proceed.
Q3 Aren’t SEDD a legitimate road safety device?
There are varying types of SEDD available on the market. The most
objectionable SEDD will deflect the safety camera beam thus allowing the drivers to continue to speed undetected. There can be no defence for devices such as these.
It is our belief that a SEDD could only be described as a road safety device ifit contained details of speed limits, thus enabling the driver to stay within speed limits at all times and not just in those areas where there is a likelihood of being caught.
...so watch out, the government is already onto ya!
mb
SPEED ENFORCEMENT DETECTION DEVICES (SEDD)
Q1 What is the Government’s position on the use of SEDD in motor
vehicles?
We believe drivers who purchase SEDD do so primarily to avoid being caught speeding. It is our belief that drivers should stay within speed limits at all times. Not just in areas where they think they will be caught.
Q2 Is it true that the Government intends to ban devices for warning drivers of cameras and other enforcement devices, so called radar and laser detectors and diffusers?
The DfT has conducted a consultation exercise on whether to ban the
installation and use of speed enforcement detector devices in motor vehicles. Officials are currently considering the responses to the consultation and an announcement will be made when Ministers have decided how to proceed.
Q3 Aren’t SEDD a legitimate road safety device?
There are varying types of SEDD available on the market. The most
objectionable SEDD will deflect the safety camera beam thus allowing the drivers to continue to speed undetected. There can be no defence for devices such as these.
It is our belief that a SEDD could only be described as a road safety device ifit contained details of speed limits, thus enabling the driver to stay within speed limits at all times and not just in those areas where there is a likelihood of being caught.
...so watch out, the government is already onto ya!
mb
02 November 2003, 12:39 PM
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He would not have had to be speeding to be targetted and for the device to function. If he wasn't speeding then he wasn't obstructing the police?
umm... if they couldn't get a reading how do they know it was speeding 
It looks like the camera/laser is a waste of time because the officer's judgement is enough to convict anyway What does "recorded speeding" mean?
[Edited by speedking - 2/11/2003 12:44:33 PM]
The car had been recorded speeding on six different occasions around Cardiff and the south Wales valleys.
However, a reading of how fast it was travelling could not be obtained because the jammer device interfered with the detectors.
However, a reading of how fast it was travelling could not be obtained because the jammer device interfered with the detectors.
It looks like the camera/laser is a waste of time because the officer's judgement is enough to convict anyway What does "recorded speeding" mean? [Edited by speedking - 2/11/2003 12:44:33 PM]
02 November 2003, 01:07 PM
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Department of Transport want to increase fines and number of cameras
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2747607.stm
<Sarcasm>
In other news, government need more MONEY for gulf war and home guard.
</Sarcasm>
[Edited by alman - 2/11/2003 1:21:45 PM]
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2747607.stm
<Sarcasm>
In other news, government need more MONEY for gulf war and home guard.
</Sarcasm>
[Edited by alman - 2/11/2003 1:21:45 PM]
02 November 2003, 03:03 PM
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There's some speculation on 5ive-O.com that there's more to this alleged offence and that maybe this driver was openly flouting the law by continually driving past at high speed. How else would he have made six passes?
If so, he should be thrown in prison for being a total ****.
You're supposed to switch off the jammer after it has "alerted you to an accident black spot and you have adjusted speed accordingly" so the police can then get a legal speed reading off your car and you can continue about your business.
Richard.
[Edited by Hoppy - 2/12/2003 3:41:29 AM]
If so, he should be thrown in prison for being a total ****.
You're supposed to switch off the jammer after it has "alerted you to an accident black spot and you have adjusted speed accordingly" so the police can then get a legal speed reading off your car and you can continue about your business.
Richard.
[Edited by Hoppy - 2/12/2003 3:41:29 AM]
02 November 2003, 04:33 PM
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"You're supposed to switch off the jammer after it has "alerted you to an accident black spot" so the police can then get a legal speed reading off your car and you can continue about your business." ............
Errrr ..... NO ... I don't think anyone sane would do that.
Apart from # # # # # # # # #
[Edited by mixit - 2/11/2003 4:33:57 PM]
Errrr ..... NO ... I don't think anyone sane would do that.
Apart from # # # # # # # # #
[Edited by mixit - 2/11/2003 4:33:57 PM]