How it was

I cannot claim any originality for this photo. It depicts a New Zealand Police Officer using a radar detector on the back of his car and reading a speed meter on the bonnet. The Government number plate style dates the photo between 1951 and 1956. This type of radar detector was used right up until the mid 1970's after which far more subtle and invisible devices were used. The problem with the big black detector was the fact that it could be seen from a long way away and motorists slowed down. The result was very little Government revenue.