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.

However, for many motorists, the cost of these devices can be prohibitively expensive, with most units priced between £350 and £500.

That is all set to change with the launch of Talex, the UK's most affordable voice-based safety camera warning system, which costs just £249 including VAT.

Talex 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 avoidable 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.

Talex 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 on to the unit, simply by plugging it into a PC using the cable provided and then visiting the relevant section of the Talex website. All new Talex systems come 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.

A professional survey team of experienced former traffic police officers continually updates the Talex safety camera database.

Talex can be purchased from selected retailers, online at www. talex. co.uk or by calling 0845 274 1110.

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

"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."