Police in traffic camera scheme talks

Sweden's National Police Board want to conduct a pilot scheme using traffic cameras with automatic number plate recognition. But the question of integrity for drivers must first be overcome.

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From the beginning of 2010, the tax stamp on Swedish car registration plates will disappear in a move that is hoped to save 70 milion Swedish crowns in administrative costs.

In order to check quickly whether a vehicle is taxed or not, the National Police Board are discussing the use of traffic cameras linked to a car registration system.

"The road traffic register is efficient," superintendent Björn Lidö told the Sydsvenskan newspaper. "We can see if a car is taxed or a driving ban has been issued, among other things."

At the same time the police want to look into what other types of registers can be linked to the system, such as vehicles of interest to criminal investigations.

"But we also have to consider the question of integrity and therefore we must have discussions with lawyers," Lidö added.

Traffic police in England, America and Ireland use the ANPR camera system but Germany closed down its system last year.

Norway is expected to test the cameras but Denmark has rejected the possibility of an introduction.