Radar and Laser Speed Camera Detector Buyers Guide

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Speed Camera Detector Buyer's Guide

Radar speed camera detectors

Radar speed camera detectors warn drivers when they are approaching Radar based speed cameras. Radar usage in the UK is generally limited to fixed roadside Gatso speed cameras, handheld devices and mobile speed traps such as Mini Gatso.

How does a Radar speed camera work?

Gatso speed cameras and Radar guns operate by emitting a radio signal at a set frequency (e.g. K Band) which is then reflected by the target vehicle. The reflected signal's frequency is shifted in direct proportion to the vehicles speed and this shift is used by the Radar equipment to calculate the vehicles exact speed.

There are serveral radar bands that are used in the UK and Europe, these are:

• X Band
• K Band
• Ka Band
• Ku Band

How does a Radar Detector detect Radar?

A radar signal is conical in shape much like a torch beam. At 200yards, the normal operation range of a radar gun, the signal is a wide as a dual carriageway. Most of the signal therefore, goes past the target and on up the road - reflecting off trees and houses etc eventually becoming 'radar scatter'. Radar detectors are extremely sensitive radio receivers tuned to these frequencies and can detect very small particles of 'radar scatter' at up to two miles away.

The new Snooper Tigre Radar and Laser detector can detect the following radar bands:

• X Band
• K Band
• Ka Band
• Ku Band

Laser speed camera detectors

Laser speed camera detectors warn drivers when they are approaching Laser based speed cameras. Laser usage in the UK is generally limited to mobile handheld devices, that the Police use on the roadside or from bridges. In 2007 Arrive Alive speed cameras in north Wales caught 55,704 offenders. Another 5,610 were caught by officers with hand-held laser devices.

How does a Laser speed camera work?

A Laser speed camera emits a narrow, focussed Laser beam consisting of a series of pulses which are reflected back from the target vehicle. The times for these pulses to return are measured and from these the speed of vehicle can be calculated.

How does a Laser Detector detect Laser?

Because the Laser beam is so narrow, it allows the traffic officer to target a specific part of the vehicle, from a long range a Laser detector will detect a Laser gun from most locations within the vehicle. But from close range specific parts of the vehicle may be targeted i.e. number plate.

The new Snooper Tigre Radar and Laser detector can detect all pan European Laser systems.

Are Radar and Laser Detectors Legal?

It is 100% legal (Nov 2011) to use a Radar and/or Laser speed camera detector in the UK to warn of all speed camera locations - fixed and mobile. However the legality differs from country to country in Europe. For example it is understood to be illegal in France, where the Gendarmerie (French Police) have been known to make motorists drive over their Radar and Laser detectors!

For further information please visit our Speed Camera Detector Legal page

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