Speed camera warnings just got cheaper

Talex' GPS-based system costs less -- but are there compromises?

By PH Staff / Thursday, 24 March 2005 / Loading comments

Talex GPS warning system

There's a new name on the block in low-cost GPS-based speed camera warning systems: Talex. With more safety cameras springing up alongside the UK’s congested roads, growing numbers of drivers are turning to Global Positioning System (GPS)-based safety camera detection devices to help them stay safe and legal. But they're not cheap, with most units costing £350 and up. Talex is described as the UK’s most affordable voice-based safety camera warning system, and costs £249 including VAT.

Talex said its product is a compact, easy-to-use unit that warns drivers of both fixed and mobile safety camera sites, accident black spots, nearby schools and congestion charging zones. This not only helps drivers to anticipate dangerous sections of road but also provides valuable protection against unnecessary fines and – more significantly – licence penalty points.

Unlike laser and radar-based detection systems that are set to be outlawed under the new Road Traffic Safety Bill, GPS-based systems such as Talex will remain 100 per cent legal. Furthermore, the Department for Transport has stated that GPS-based systems, "…complement the Government’s policy to ensure camera sites are visible and conspicuous to drivers, and so help deter excessive and inappropriate speeds on the roads."

Talex said its system takes less than a minute to install, thanks to its ‘plug and play’ operating system. The unit uses a voice announcement to warn the driver when they are within 500 yards of a safety camera, and also confirms what the speed limit is on that section of road. If the vehicle is exceeding the speed limit 200 yards prior to the camera, the system will advise the driver to slow down. Talex also sounds an alert to confirm when the vehicle has safely passed the camera.

The very latest information on new safety camera positions and accident blackspots can be easily downloaded onto the unit, simply by plugging it into a PC using the cable provided and then visiting the relevant section of the Talex Web site. All new Talex systems come supplied with six months’ subscription for updates, which can be renewed for just £29 for 12 months, or £59 for three years – much cheaper than most other GPS-based systems on the market.

"With over 5,000 fixed safety cameras and over 250 mobile units operating at almost 3,000 sites across the UK, generating more than £100 million in fines last year, no driver can afford to ignore this risk to their licence and potentially their livelihood," said sales manager Nigel Carter.

"By introducing TALEX for just £249, we have made the latest GPS-based safety camera detection technology affordable for all motorists, helping them to stay safe and legal on the road."

Its one weakness might be that the company said that "a professional survey team of experienced former traffic police officers continually updates the TALEX safety camera database." The strength of most other systems is that users -- of whom there are many more of course -- update the database. However, PistonHeads will be reporting on how the system works as soon as we can get our hands on one.

You can buy a Talex from selected retailers, by calling 0845 274 1110, or online: www.talex.co.uk