Police speed camera (sorry I mean safety Ha Ha) warning devices

[bruce5755]

Is the sale of speed camera warning devices, such as shown in the new Woolworths adverts actually legal.  I ask because I believed that anyone warning an oncoming driver by flashing his/her lights, warning of a mobile speed camera could be prosecuted?

[brachiopod]

Yes, they are legal...... for the moment.

There is a law coming into force later this year banning the sale and use of scanning / radar detecting warning devices. (ie those devices that detect the radar emissions from speed 'guns' and cameras, including mobile speed cameras, and hand-held devices.)

Those devices that warn of fixed cameras using GPS - (ie that check your position aginst a database of known camera positions) will not be affected by the new law.

This brings us into line with the main EU countries who have already banned these devices - except Spain where they are legal.

Never heard about the 'being prosecuted for flashing your lights' though, bruce !
"I was just trying to warn the flies to get out my way so they don't get squashed, officer."

[kempie]

This from the CPS

Obstructing a police officer � section 89(2) Police Act 1996

It is a summary only offence carrying a maximum penalty of one month's imprisonment and/or a level 3 fine.

Examples of the type of conduct which may constitute the offence of obstructing a police officer include:-

Warning a landlord that the police are to investigate after hours drinking;

warning that a police search of premises is to occur;

giving a warning to other motorists of a police speed trap ahead;

a motorist or 'shoplifter' who persists in giving a false name and address;

a witness giving a false name and address;
a partner who falsely claiming that he/she was driving at the time of the accident but relenting before the breathalyser procedure is frustrated;
an occupier inhibiting the proper execution of a search warrant (if the warrant has been issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act, see also s 23 of that Act);

refusing to admit constables into a house when there is a right of entry under s.4(7) of the road Traffic Act 1988 (arrest for driving etc while unfit through drink or drugs).

[woofgang]

as I understand it, those that jam speed cameras are the ones which will be made illegal. the warning only type are to remain legal

[littleoldme]

Naive question ahoy, but surely if flashing your lights as a warning causes other motorists to slow down, that's a good thing, no? I mean, that has to be what really matters, right? After all, it's not as the police just want to catch people so they can generate revenue, is it?

Ahem.

[Cheekyteddy]

They give out the location of temporary speed cameras on our local radio station every morning. I have heard the thing about flashing your lights but the police won't see it anyway will they as they are up the road with the gun!

[landie]

Good answer littleoldme, so if headlights were programmed to flash every ten seconds or so on every vehicle it would nullify the need for speed cameras.

[ianess]

Sorry if this sounds like nit-picking but I don't believe it's illegal to SELL the things, but it could well be illegal to actually USE such a device.
littleoldme spot on with his/her answer.

[Gef]

OK so perhaps I am naive but why don't we all just stick to the speed limits? Surely they are there for a reason.