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CCTV-Equipped Police Cars Hitting the Streets in Manchester, England

by Peter Mychalcewycz on April 16, 2009 at 06:05 AM

Intent on preventing people from using their cell phones while driving, police in Manchester, England are trying out a new method that has caused some public concern.

Two smart cars equipped with closed-circuit-TV (CCTV) have hit the streets in Greater Manchester in an attempt to spot and punish distracted drivers, according to the BBC. Each of the tiny cars, both of which take turns sitting at various intersections throughout the area, is outfitted with a camera on top of a 12-foot retractable pole. The camera films passers-by as it looks for anyone that may be engaging in distracting behavior while driving (talking on the phone, texting, eating, etc). Those unfortunate enough to be spotted by the mobile CCTV cars will receive a letter in the mail and a fine for their troubles. Mobile phone offenders will be charged around the equivalent of $90.

Some people are less than thrilled at the prospect of more cameras being put on the streets, saying that the lack of immediate censure will impede efforts to improve driver's habits. Paul Watters, of the Automobile Association, told the BBC, "CCTV enforcement lacks connection with the driver until after the event and some drivers might regard it as Big Brother. We think that most drivers would prefer police in cars to dish out tickets on the spot and instill better driving behavior."

With the British looking to CCTV as the solution to a host of other national problems, it's no surprise that they are using it here. [From: BBC]


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Tags: cctv, england, police, police car, PoliceCar, privacy, public safety, PublicSafety, texting while driving, TextingWhileDriving, uk

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