With 6,000 fixed speed traps in the UK a speed trap locator is a good idea. Combining this with Sat-nav saves cash and removes the need for two devices on the dash. A trap locator stores trap locations in its memory; by comparing these with a GPS position, it warns the driver and prevents a ticket. We prefer a spoken warning (rather than just a beep), which ideally reminds the driver of the limit. It’s important for the device to be directional, i.e. only to warn of traps on your side of the carriageway. Traps are constantly being added, so updating your database is important. Most companies allow a free period of downloads after which you pay a subscription.
The 9000 is unique in having an always-on GPRS connection, so that the device updates itself automatically – no messing with computers here. This enables instant traffic information, weather forecasts and it can also be ‘tracked’, James Bond style on a special web page (an extra cost of £4 pm). Trap location is spot-on, with spoken warnings and on-screen messages. We thought the Points of Interest (POI) database a bit limited and geared towards the bigger chains. It’s a technical wizard but comes with a higher price and subscription charges.
The Strabo uses the same interface as its widescreen brother, which is good, because it’s logically arrayed and easy to use, from routeing to set-up. The displays for both navigation and trap warnings are the same and the database was equally accurate. Having a 3.5 inch screen means it takes less dash space and is easier to carry, but it can get cluttered at times when navigating through a trap area. The only ‘extra’ is an MP3 player and, like the Syrius, we think that the POIs were a bit limited particularly with regard to cash machines and restaurants.
As a Sat-nav supplier, Garmin has adapted to trap location better than most, the Cyclops database warnings being directional, with a useful band across the screen advising of the trap and the speed limit. Shame the audible warning is a beep rather than a voice. Operation via the large and colourful touch-screen was simple and the spec was high, TMC traffic info, MP3 player and digital image viewer being standard. Also on board is a Bluetooth hands-free kit which uploads the phone’s address book.
Though Talex make trap detectors and Sat-nav, this product is neither, rather it’s a program which can be downloaded from the ‘Net or supplied on a CD (for £2 more). It’s designed to work with TomTom GO Sat-navs because the speed traps supplied as standard aren’t directional and offer only a simple warning. The program gives directional voice warnings and includes fixed, mobile and SPECS cameras. Suitable for most TomTom models, details of compatibility are online and the price includes a year’s subs. A must if you already have a TomTom.
Art deco meets Buck Rogers, the polished piano black Syrius looks stylish or dated, depending on your viewpoint. There’s plenty of room on the 4.3 inch touch screen for mapping and the user can choose from a variety of screen colours. The Sat-nav worked well, giving well-timed voice instructions and clear on-screen detail. The trap warnings were accurate, the voice warnings including details of the limit and the screen counting down to the trap position. However, it lacks some extras such as no Bluetooth, traffic information, image viewer or MP3 player.
The 7000 has a 3.5 inch screen which is easy to carry but can struggle when asked to display lots of information. The stylus supplied made data entry easier for larger fingers and though the user interface wasn’t as instinctive as some, it doesn’t take long to get used to it. It comes with an image viewer to accompany the MP3 player. The POI were reasonable, though a few were clearly sponsored and restaurants were limited to fast food outlets. Trap warnings are spoken and displayed with a countdown and found all the traps on our test route.