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Finns To Use Cell Phones To Monitor Traffic Jams

Posted by Hemos on from the interesting-adaptation dept.

Okko writes "The Finnish Road Administration announced it is going to use cellphone location data to find out about traffic jams. They say they are using the location data available from the GSM base stations to determine the locations and speeds of vehicles carrying mobile phones. The information will be used to inform people about traffic jams and peaks in traffic trough public FM radio stations. Until now, the information about traffic has been gathered using car sensors embedded in the roads. The spokesperson of FRA, interviewed in the evening news of MTV3 Finland, seemed very pleased they can monitor cell phones even when no calls are made, it is enough the phone has power on. They said they are about to use the information anonymously and thought people approve it as long as it is done in an anonymous and "everyone-wins" way. It was told they do not currently tell the police about the data they discover as the current law forbids this. So, it is not, at least yet, possible to fine people carrying mobile phones in their cars too fast on public roads (exceeding the speed limit of the road). Unfortunately, probably because of vacations, FRA has not updated their website accordingly yet. There does exist an annoucement about testing the technology from the summer. "

3 of 155 comments (clear)

  1. first scotts, now finns by kousik · · Score: 4, Informative

    Another slashdot story was flashed a while back (13/06/02), but that was pertaining to Scottish company.

  2. Similar story by Koyaanisqatsi · · Score: 4, Informative

    This is not a dupe (hey, not yet ;) but a similar story was reported a while back. Here is the magic link.

    The linked BBC article on the story is in English too.

  3. Old news actually by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Informative

    Check out the date: 18.6.2002.

    The press release talks about monitoring traffic jams on highways. Thus several phones in single car won't make a difference, since dozens of cars will pass checkpoints every minute.

    Privacy isn't an issue here. Finland has very strict privacy laws and this system is designed with privacy in mind: System assing different (changing) codes to the each cell phone and it only tracks when code X pass through the checkpoints.

    It is also illegal for operators to give information about calls to the police, unless owner is suspected of very severe crime.