Police are taking a leaf out of Google’s book with their latest weapon in the war on motorists.
They are using cars with spy cameras on a mast. Drivers talking on their mobile phones, eating, applying make-up or otherwise driving illegally will be pictured.
And as the telescopic cameras can zoom in from some distance, the first inkling that they have been snapped could be when a £60 fine lands on the doorstep.
Police say the new cars – similar to those used by Google to map town and city streets – will help reduce road deaths. But motorists say the Big Brother vehicles will merely be another cash cow for the Government and a further ‘tax’ on hard-pressed motorists.
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Drivers who are caught using their mobiles will be sent a £60 fine and will have three penalty points on their licence.
Those caught on camera without a seatbelt or driving erratically while eating will be fined £30.
Don’t eat and drive!
“Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. “
Well, as a Brit – living in England… I personally find it reassuring to know that if I get hassled by a gang whilst walking in town at night – there is a good chance that the coppers will be there in minutes because it is being watched on CCTV.
On the downside – yes, they may watch me look at the bras in the lingerie shop but hell – thats the price one has to pay.
I am usually a fierce privacy advocate, but I am with Grimbo on this one. Whenever I hear these drivers complain about cameras, they sound to me like teenagers complaining that they can no longer get away with their wrongdoings.
“Boo-hoo, I was caught, that’s not fair!”
Dumbasses.
It’s so damn easy. Don’t commit the violation! If you do and get caught, you deserve the punishment!
One day, one of these moaners and mopers’ friend or family member will get killed or seriously injured in a car accident and they will very quickly DEMAND surveillance footage to catch the perp. Privacy? What privacy?
Mindless pedal-ramming, light-running, wrong-turning, phone-yapping hypocrites.
#22, I’ll quote one of your countrymen.
“We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.” Eric A. Blair, author of 1984.
When will the people/camera ratio = 1? At that point, will it be better to ATTACH a camera to each person (and charge him for it)? Seems only fair.
That’s not a car – it’s a go-kart.
I wonder if this campaign would work. I would have to agree with father time regarding the people/camera ratio.