AURA is the name Snooper gives to their proprietary speed camera database. It is the database used in every Snooper GPS speed camera detector and every Snooper sat nav. When a Snooper device warns you of a speed camera ahead, that alert comes from the AURA database.
This page explains what the AURA database covers, how Snooper maintains and updates it, and what you need to know about subscriptions - including which current devices include updates free of charge.
The AURA database covers a comprehensive range of fixed and mobile camera types used on UK roads. When your Snooper device approaches a location recorded in the database, it displays the camera type, the road speed limit, and your current speed, alongside an audible alert.
Fixed camera types included in the AURA database:
Additional alert categories in the AURA database:
The AURA database does not detect mobile laser or radar speed guns used at the point of measurement. These devices emit a signal only at the moment they measure a vehicle - no advance warning is possible. For mobile camera van hotspot locations, AURA provides alerts based on recorded deployment sites, which is a useful guide to where vans are regularly used, but is not a real-time detection of a van being present.
As well as the UK and Ireland, the AURA database includes speed camera locations across a wide range of international countries. Current coverage includes Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, and Australia. Coverage in some countries may be partial - the UK and Ireland database is the most comprehensive.
Before using a speed camera detector in Europe, check the legal position for each country you plan to visit. GPS-based detectors are permitted in most European countries but are prohibited in France. See the speed camera detector legality guide for the full picture.
Snooper employs a dedicated team whose sole purpose is to research, verify, and manage the AURA database. New camera locations are typically added within 48 hours of being verified. The database is updated continuously - in principle you could download a fresh update every day, though for most drivers a weekly or fortnightly update is sufficient for fixed camera coverage.
Updates are downloaded to your Snooper device by connecting it to a PC or Mac via USB, then running the Snooper download software. The software checks for the latest AURA database and transfers it to the device. Current Snooper models including the MY-SPEED PLUS and MY-SPEED DVR PLUS are compatible with both Windows and Mac. Some older Snooper models were Windows-only - check the documentation for your device if you are unsure.
A speed camera detector is only as useful as its last update. Fixed camera locations change relatively slowly, but keeping the database current - particularly for mobile hotspot locations and any new average speed camera zones on roads you regularly use - is worthwhile.
On current Snooper models, AURA database updates are free for the lifetime of the product. There is no annual subscription fee. Both the Snooper MY-SPEED PLUS and the Snooper MY-SPEED DVR PLUS include free lifetime AURA updates as standard. The speed limit database is also included free on these models.
Older or discontinued Snooper devices may have required a paid annual subscription to AURA. If you own an older model and are unsure whether your updates are free or charged, check with Snooper directly or refer to the documentation supplied with the device.
To view the current range of Snooper GPS speed camera detectors with free AURA updates:
AURA is Snooper's proprietary speed camera database. It is used in all Snooper GPS speed camera detectors and Snooper sat navs to provide alerts to fixed and mobile camera locations across the UK and internationally. Snooper's team updates the database continuously, with new camera locations typically added within 48 hours of being verified.
All Snooper GPS speed camera detectors and Snooper sat navs use the AURA database. Current models include the Snooper MY-SPEED PLUS and the Snooper MY-SPEED DVR PLUS. Both include a free lifetime subscription to the AURA database - there is no ongoing cost for updates.
On current Snooper models including the MY-SPEED PLUS and MY-SPEED DVR PLUS, the AURA database subscription is free for the lifetime of the product. There is no annual fee. Updates are downloaded via a PC or Mac connected to the internet. Some older or discontinued Snooper devices required a paid annual subscription - check the documentation for your specific model if you are unsure.
Connect your Snooper device to a PC or Mac using the supplied USB cable, then open the Snooper download software and follow the on-screen instructions. The software will download the latest AURA database and transfer it to the device. Current Snooper models are compatible with both Windows and Mac. Snooper recommends updating regularly - once a week is sufficient for most drivers.
The AURA database covers Gatso, Truvelo, Truvelo D-Cam, SPECS, VECTOR, HADECS 3, Watchman, SpeedCurb, Peek, DS2, MCS, accident blackspots, high risk zones, mobile safety camera van locations, congestion charge cameras, and schools (optional). It does not detect mobile laser or radar speed guns used at the point of measurement.
Last updated: 28th May 2026
