Jammers: Speedsters face arrest
2006-08-16 14:23
Johannesburg - Devices that warn motorists about traffic officials were acceptable, but if these were used to block the functioning of speed cameras, motorists would be arrested.
That was the warning issued by the Johannesburg traffic department against the manufacture and use of the Stealth Laser Jammer, a device used to block the laser beams used by speed cameras to catch speeding motorists.
Preventing speeding fines
This system transmits an infrared laser beam at the same frequency as that used by traffic officials, which prevents the speed camera from taking a reading.
The designer of the device insists that it is legal.
According to Brad Eyre, one of the designers, four transend receptors near the vehicle's registration number made it impossible for speed cameras to get a reading and this was the only guaranteed manner in which to prevent being issued a speeding fine.
Pick 'n Pay Boss Sean Summers was arrested on Sunday after he clocked 190km/h going through a speed trap in his red Ferrari.
No law prohibiting device
Eyre said on their website that the device, which was available at R3 400, provided 360 degree protection against speed cameras.
"An alarm warns you when you are being targeted by a camera," he said.
"We suggest motorists then reduce speed and switch off the system to allow the camera to take a reading."
According to Eyre there is no law prohibiting the use of such a jammer, but there was also no sense in irking traffic officials.
Motorists face arrest
Metro police spokesperson superintendent Wayne Minnaar said devices hampering speed cameras from taking readings were not allowed.
"We have no problem with a system that warns a motorist to reduce speed, as this can improve road safety," he said.
But motorists caught using such a jammer would be arrested for defeating the ends of justice.