New speed camera detector exploits loophole

The Mini Coyote, a new type of speed trap detector on sale in Britain that allows its users to share instantaneously information on the location of cameras, is exploiting a grey area of the law.

Motorists using the Mini Coyote who spot speed cameras, including those being used covertly, will be able to alert other vehicles with the same technology in around 10 seconds by simply pressing a button on the dashboard-mounted device.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “This appears to exploit a loophole in the law as many other real-time speed camera detectors that detect police radar and laser systems are soon to banned under the Road safety Act 2006.”

Is the Mini Coyote legal?

At present, it appears so. And the Mini Coyote speed camera detector, which sells for less than £150, may prove difficult to ban; GPS-based systems appear to have the support of government as they compliment its policy to ensure fixed camera sites are conspicuous to drivers.

Former road safety minister, Stephen Ladyman once assured parliament that such systems would “continue to be perfectly legal. I have one myself.”

Any attempt to sabotage the system is likely to be quickly foiled; drivers who repeatedly press the button in places where no one else reports a camera will have their transmissions blocked.

What is the ETA?

The ETA is a not-for-profit organisation providing motorists and cyclists with green breakdown cover and green insurance products. The ETA exists in order to campaign for sustainable transport – when you buy our services you help fund our charitable work.