Editorial: A drone in radar clothing

OPINION: It's pretty sneaky but you have to admit it's pretty effective. It has been revealed that drone radar units are being used to fool drivers who use radar detectors into slowing down.

The devices send out signals to make the estimated 10 per cent of drivers with radar detectors believe a speed-detecting police car is in the area, making them slow down.

Apparently this has been going on for a few years now and the existence of these drone has only been confirmed now after a driver in Manukau became suspicious after he detected a radar several times in the same place but did not see a police car. The driver has now posted a photograph of the device on the internet.

Of course using deception as a method of controlling behaviour is nothing new. People behave differently when they are being watched and are less likely to break the law if they feel their actions are being monitored. Installing fake security cameras in some stores has seen incidents of shoplifting decrease.

It's all about perception, and just as scarecrows keep birds away from crops so too does anything the gives the impression that figures of authority are around.

Remember the cutout police car used by Fulton Hogan in Nelson in 2007? At a Hira roadworks site the cardboard cutout reduced the number of cars travelling at over 60kmh from 21 out of 50 to five out of 50 and the average speed dropped 15kmh.

The drones were developed in Christchurch by an inter-agency traffic safety group in 2007 and are funded by the ACC and installed by councils in consultation with police and the New Zealand Transport Agency. The drones target the "top end" speedsters who show their propensity for speed by having radar detectors.

Currently 70 drone units are in use around the country and judging by the success they have had it won't be long before we see more of them in use.

And if speedsters think they know where the drones are and ignore them, they should think again. Police say they may start stationing officers on some drone sites to catch drivers who assume there are no police around.

Of course the best way to avoid falling victim to drones (or real speed checks) is to drive at the speed limit. That way nobody gets hurt!

Well done to all involved in Saturday's Blues, Brews and BBQs event. A good crowd, great weather and plenty to eat and drink made the day a winner for all those attending.

Even though the numbers were down the event was still a financial success and Marlborough charities will benefit from the money raised.

- The Marlborough Express

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