RADAR detector sales have increased by 122 per cent this year as motorists try to avoid speeding fines, according to the latest survey by Car Parts Direct.

More than 268,000 drivers are now banned from driving and millions of pounds are being paid out in speeding fines.

The survey revealed 82 per cent of speed camera victims thought they were driving safely at the time they were caught and were just unfortunate to be doing a few miles over the limit. Two-thirds felt their speeding ticket was totally unjustified.

The survey found that a motorist with three points on their licence was three times more likely to buy a radar detector than a motorist with no points. Over 70 per cent of motorists with six points on their licence said they had bought a radar detector or would seriously consider buying one.

Mark Cornwall of Car Parts Direct said: "A radar detector is a now a must have item for any motorists who rely on their vehicles for an income.

“It’s not just a fine and driving licence saver - it keeps motoring insurance premiums down too."