UK License Plate Cameras Have "Gaps In Coverage"

Aguazul2 writes "UK police are sad that despite having the most comprehensive driver surveillance system of any developed country, there are still gaps in their coverage. From the article: 'The cameras automatically record plate/time/location information and send it to a central data store, which has complete nationwide records for 6 years.' Also interesting is that an unspecified 'particular driving style' can be used to evade detection by the cameras. It appears, however, that criminals are well aware of the cameras and take other routes. Big Brother technology, coming soon to a country near you!"

Comments

Re:tick tock

[Anonymous Coward]

No.

The UK government actually wanted to increase the speed limit on motorways, but was forced to concede in the end that the safety case didn't allow it. It would cause too many accidents. They initially believed that since modern cars had better safety systems and build quality than when the original limits were set, a higher speed limit would have no effect. They conducted a review, and ultimately scrapped the plans, because after looking at the evidence they knew damn well that it would cause more deaths.

Re:tick tock

[Yer Mom]

This isn't just about the average speed cameras, though — these are cameras specifically to scan and log registration numbers and match them against a database of "vehicles of interest" (untaxed, seen near scenes of crime, etc).

Naturally, the data gets kept for years even if a vehicle isn't on the watch list. Just in case, like.

That's what the fuss is about.

Re:SCORPION STARE

[RaceProUK]

Urban myth - the SPECS average speed cameras are not limited to a single lane, and haven't been for a long time.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPECS_(speed_camera)#About_SPECS_cameras