The reason I proceeded, in the Q&A another UK user claims Saphe uses Waze data, and they verified by reporting a ghost speed camera on Waze, and then passing the location a few minutes later and alerted on the Saphe. I tried the same, and I am sad to report that doesn't happen. Look for a clear display so you can read the information clearly without having to take your eyes off the road. Some will sound an alarm, too, which is a useful additional feature. Set the cruise control to the current speed limit and enjoy the ride. We recommend using cruise control on the motorway and highways. With cruise control, you can focus on the road and traffic, while avoiding a potential speeding fine. You can change the time before you’re alerted on the accident and congestion alerts, but the speed camera ones remain fixed. The Snooper looks like a traditional portable satnav device, and clearly displays your current speed alongside the actual speed limit on its clear, 5in touchscreen; here the emphasis is clearly on prevention.

The device switches on automatically when it senses motion, so usually, getting into your car is enough to wake it up, or closing your door will do it. I’ve driven around for a few days, hastily seeking out speed cameras – which is quite a surreal experience, which I don’t think I’ll repeat again. I wanted to test how far in advance the alarm triggered prior to reaching the camera, and without getting scientific, the alarm seemed to consistently set off about 200 metres prior (when travelling at 30mph), and approx 400 metres when travelling on the motorway. I love how smart they were, so accounting for different speeds to ensure all drivers are given proportionate time to react and prepare. In the UK, it’s perfectly legal to use a speed camera detector, although it’s a subject that often comes up for debate in Parliament. Nevertheless, while detectors – units that alert the driver to speed traps – can be used, radar jammers are strictly forbidden. Drivers using a jammer could be charged with perverting the course of justice, a crime that can carry a custodial sentence and/or a large fine. Can I use a speed camera detector abroad? Since driving with the Saphe One+, I’ve felt more aware of my speed and that my licence is safer due to the fixed camera alerts. For the price, I think they’re well worth the money as most speed camera detectors have an ongoing cost associated with them.

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The best radar detectors will also detect lasers (but will not jam them). Aside from that, look at the general quality of the product; suspiciously cheap examples will not be as good as reputable ones. You will also be alerted when you approach a mobile speed camera set up by the police. This alert has been reported by the large community you are part of when you have a Saphe speed camera detector.

It's disappointing to hear that the device didn't always alert you to police speed camera setups. We will review this matter and work on improving our alerts for such situations. Some police forces consider using a laser jammer to be perverting the course of justice, which comes with a hefty fine and even jail time in severe instances. The basic role of a speed camera detector is to alert you to the presence of upcoming speed cameras so that you can manage your speed effectively (and avoid getting fined). But they also come with a range of other clever features.

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Powered by a long-lasting battery, the Saphe One+ is also easy to install wherever you wish and you don’t need to worry about any messy trailing wires. In terms of alerts on the One+, you get a flashing LED of different colours; blue is speed cameras, red is for an accident or danger ahead, while yellow flashes if there’s congestion or an accident. The Saphe One+ is a speed camera detector and traffic alarm; it will notify you of mobile, average, fixed and traffic light cameras. It can also alert you to dangers on the road ahead, a car on the hard shoulder or if there’s been an accident. The noise quality was of great importance here too. Too loud and it’ll get annoying and you’d be put off and hate it. The alarm was loud enough to raise attention over music (if not blaring), but subtle and short enough to nudge you without disrupting your driving. We wouldn’t be surprised if this hasn’t gone through some rigorous user testing to get to this stage.