We're in the process of arranging a Christmas competition, which we have done for the past few years. I'm hoping we'll be able to offer a few great prizes for our readership and as soon as all the loose ends have been tied I'll let you all know what is up for grabs.

On a related note, I'm sure many of you will be buying, or hoping to receive, some gadgets this Christmas. We want to hear what satnav related goodies you have on your Christmas lists. GPS equipped smartphones, drones, trackers, handhelds, satellite guided telescopes, wherever it is, if it has a GPS in, or is a related accessory, then we want to hear about it. Post in the thread and we might even drum up a prize for the wackiest gift, but it must be GPS related!

Christmas Gift thread here.

Darren Griffin

TomTom Android app updated - now supports high res screens

TomTom's Android app finally supports premium Android handsets. The v1.1 update, released today, adds support for screen resolutions up to 1280 x 800.

That means owners of premium handsets such as the Samsung Galaxy S3, HTX One X and Google Nexus 4 can now run the app.

Other updates include a better download manager; map data is now stored on SD card (where available), and improved postcode entry. Features such as IQ Routes and Lifetime Map updates are included in the app purchase and HD Traffic is available as a premium subscription service.

Read more here.

SSTL uses retired GIOVE-A for high altitude GPS fix demo

Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) have successfully demonstrated the ability to capture a GPS fix at high altitudes.

GIOVE-A (Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element) was the first of the test fleet of Galileo satellites and retired earlier this year having completed its functions. SSTL had equipped GIOVE-A with a SGR-GEO receiver in anticipation of these tests which only became possible once it had been retired from its Galileo duties.

Read more here.

Speed Camera Campaigning Councillor Banned For Speeding

A former Stockton councillor, who campaigned for speed cameras to be installed on a busy stretch of road, has been banned after speeding on precisely the same road that his campaign was focused on.

Former leader of Stockton Borough Council, Ken Lupton, was disqualified from driving for six months as he already had nine points on his licence.

Commenting on the ban, he said: "Ironically, I had just put out a news letter to residents outlining the fact that we were asking for cameras to be put in Darlington Road because of excessive speed there."

Read more here.

Lifetime Member & Reader donations

The donation facility was implemented, at the request of our members, to enable you to make a small financial donation towards the running of this site.

Donations are entirely voluntary but we need your help and support to ensure the continued availability of this website and the speed camera service. If you are a life member, particularly if you have been using and benefiting from the service for a number of years, or are a reader who has benefitted from our forums and free POIs, we ask that you consider making a small contribution.

All donations are welcomed and every penny helps ensure the continued availability of our vast catalogue of free POIs, this newsletter and other services.

Donate here.

Speed Camera Data Updated - v10.121 (05/12/12)
& This Week's Subscriber Award Winners

This week we have 43 static and mobile speed cameras added, removed or modified in the live database.

Of the 24 unique submitters that were the first to submit qualifying reports this week, congratulations are due to the following four members, who have won a 12 month subscription extension:

bratton0402, CAA_0727063324, class, ReginaldPerrin.

The congratulatory emails should be with you by now.

Subscription Winners: please act on the email, you should cancel any PayPal recurring subscriptions to benefit from the free 12 month subscription extension.

Five users missed out because they did not hold a valid subscription. The remaining 15 qualifying submissions came from lifetime members. Please join us in sending our thanks to them for taking the time and trouble to report speed cameras for the benefit of us all. They are:

Andypanny, Dave2084, DJ1, elliott6324, fredbloggs123, GerryC, keithjeffrey, larson, Meter_Man, nibor, OBH6UK, Quinny1, slimjim, Steelbreese, theripper.

The rewards for successful camera submissions have changed, see here for full details.

Subscribers - PayPal Auto-Renewal

If your subscription is due to expire, please note that PayPal subscriptions auto-renew and if you do not wish to continue you must cancel it via your PayPal account. A post in the forums explains how to check (see here).