New speed cameras trap motorists from space

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/7608153/New...

Satellites could track motorists from space if trials prove successful Photo: AFP

The cameras, which combine number plate reading technology with a global positioning satellite receiver, are similar to those used in roadworks.

The AA said it believed the new system could cover a network of streets as opposed to a straight line, and was “probably geared up to zones in residential areas.”

The Home Office is testing the cameras at two sites, one in Southwark, London, and the other A374 between Antony and Torpoint in Cornwall.

The `SpeedSpike’ system, which calculates average speed between any two points in the network, has been developed by PIPS Technology Ltd, an American-owned company with a base in Hampshire.

Details of the trials are contained in a House of Commons report. The company said in its evidence that the cameras enabled "number plate capture in all weather conditions, 24 hours a day". It also referred to the system's "low cost" and ease of installation.

The system could be used for "main road enforcement for congestion reduction and speed enforcement", and could help to "eliminate rat-runs" and cut speeds outside schools, it added. It could also reduce the need for speed humps.

The development of speed cameras has raised concerns about expanding state surveillance.

The Home Office said it was unable to comment on the trials because of "commercial confidentiality".

The AA said it would watch the system “carefully” but it did not believe there was anything sinister. “It is a natural evolution of the technology that is out there,” a spokesman said.

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Comment by Tara on April 21, 2010 at 5:26pm: Yeah, thankfully I have an older car too and that's alright with me! Try tracking me bitches, lol! This is getting all more Orweillian by the day, frightening stuff!

Comment by Blackcloud on April 21, 2010 at 3:23pm: Think they can find the black boxes in our cars as fast as they found the ones at 9/11?... I bet they wont hide our black boxes away, like they did the others.

Comment by fireguy on April 21, 2010 at 3:08pm: I need a tinfoil hat for my car. They don't really need satellite cops they can just tap into the "black box" in your car if it was built since the the late 90's.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/blackbox/

Comment by youhavetoforgiveme on April 21, 2010 at 10:59am: Nothing sinister my ass! It's not the guy that invented it that bothers me, he probably even meant well....

It's the son of a bitch that administrates it that bothers me....it's YOUR car...most likely YOU are driving it.....they will know where you are at ALL times....Big Brother is alive!!! He's ALIVE!!!

Comment by youhavetoforgiveme on April 21, 2010 at 10:58am: Nothing sinister my ass! It's not the guy that invented it that bothers me, he probably even meant well....

It's the son of a bitch that administrates it that bothers me....it's YOUR car...most likely YOU are driving it.....they will know where you are at ALL times....Big Brother is alive!!! He's ALIVE!!!

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