Drivers flash lasers to avoid points

DRIVERS are using high-tech ‘laser jammers’ to render their cars ‘invisible’ to Garda speed guns — so they can dodge penalty points.

It comes as the force is embroiled in an escalating row over the recording of a range of road traffic offences.

The Sunday Independent has learned the specialist ‘cloaking devices’ are being bought online from specialist websites. They work by flashing a strong laser signal in the direction of a speed detector which causes a temporary error in the equipment and prevents an accurate reading being recorded.

Industry experts say demand for radar detectors has grown since the introduction of points in 2002.

Despite their use being illegal, drivers are willing to pay substantial amounts for mail-order-only equipment in an attempt to avoid speeding convictions.

Moyagh Murdock, CEO of the Road Safety Authority, said road users who fit anti-speed detection equipment in their vehicles are highly irresponsible.

“Those who fit these devices are intentionally setting out to break the law in order to avoid detection when speeding. This is both selfish and irresponsible as they are putting their own and other road users’ lives at risk.

“Road users who think they are evading detection are only fooling themselves and could be wasting their money.

“If road users are looking for a fail-safe method to avoid detection simply slow down.”

Donna Price, of Irish Road Victims’ Association, said motorists have a “duty of care and responsibility” to other road users, adding that the use of such devices is “totally unacceptable”.