TheNewspaper.com Roundup: August 28, 2013


Each Wednesday, we’ll publish quick summaries of the articles from the last week on TheNewspaper.com. We’re doing this because these articles are often strongly connected to the issues that National Motorists Association members are interested in.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013
UK Government Surveillance Camera Rules Take Effect
After having used Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR, also known as ALPR in the US) cameras to track motorists for more than a decade, the UK Home Office decided earlier this month to issue a code of practice to govern its use. The mostly voluntary guidance is designed to give the public more power to challenge improper police use of the technology. Enforcing the new rules falls upon Andrew Rennison, who was appointed as surveillance camera commissioner last year, though few of the provisions are legally binding.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Ohio Announces Drivers License Database Facial Recognition
Driver’s licenses are being used for much more than just certifying an individual’s ability to drive on public roads. Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced Monday that the state has for several months been using facial recognition technology in a database that allows law enforcement agents to match a face with a name, address and record at will.

Monday, August 26, 2013
Georgia: Flashing Blue Lights Make A Traffic Stop Involuntary
When a police officer turns on his flashing blue lights and forces a motorist to stop, it is not a “voluntary” encounter, Georgia’s Court of Appeals ruled last Wednesday. Jonathon Dryer found this out when he tried to drive his red Mercury Sable out of the parking lot of a local country club on April 4, 2010 at around 11pm. Because of the late hour, a local police officer had a hunch and turned on his blue lights before the Sable could reach the exit. Dryer stopped his car and the officer approached.

Sunday, August 25, 2013
France, Germany: Vigilantes, Birds Attack Speed Cameras
Vigilantes in Castaignos-Souslens, France knocked over a speed camera on August 15. According to Sud Ouest, the automated ticketing machine on the RD933 was ripped out of its mounting and left on the side of the road next to a guard rail.

Friday, August 23, 2013
Southern California Cities Further Reject Red-Light Cameras
Embattled red-light camera vendor Redflex Traffic Systems has lost another contract. The Escondido, California city council voted unanimously Wednesday to allow the Australian company’s right to issue near $500 tickets expire on December 12, and ticketing will cease even sooner.

Thursday, August 22, 2013
California: Red-Light Camera Renewal Meets Resistance
City councils not so long ago would renew a contract authorizing the use of red-light cameras without controversy or discussion. Now the issue has become hotly contested, as residents and political leaders begin to push back against the use of photo enforcement in their community. Opponents in Menlo Park, California on Tuesday succeeded in briefly delaying approval of an automated ticketing machine expansion.

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