Radar detector told to withdraw advert

A company that makes speed camera detectors was today told to withdraw an advert that encouraged motorists to break the law.

The Advertising Standards Authority told Roadnet, part of the Inchrock Group based in Surrey, England, to stop claiming that the devices reduced road accidents.

Roadnet makes radar detectors that are about the size of a cigarette packet, designed to alert drivers when they are approaching a speed camera up to two miles away.

The company’s mailing advert promised an ‘‘award-winning range’’ of detectors ‘‘to help avoid points and fines’’.

The advert said the radar detectors could ‘‘mean the difference between surviving the dangers of the open road or enduring a driving ban, hefty financial penalty and increased insurance premiums’’.

The ASA said the advert was ‘‘likely to be seen to condone the use of detectors to break speed limits without getting caught and could therefore encourage motorists to drive irresponsibly and break the law’’.

The authority also objected to Roadnet’s claims that the detectors improved road safety.

The ASA said: ‘‘The implication in the advertisement that radar detector users were safer drivers was misleading.’’