New camera plan in crackdown on speeding
The Swedish Road Administration (Vägverket) is considering implementing new technology to monitor the speed at which motorists travel between two road safety cameras.
Over the next few months the Administration intends teaming up with police to look into the legalities of the issue before presenting a formal proposal by the end of the year.
"We want to first ensure that it is legally possible and that it does not pose a threat to personal integrity," road safety director Claes Tingvall told The Local.
A dual camera system would prevent motorists from putting their foot to the floor moments after passing a speed camera.
Systems of this type are already in place in the UK, Norway and in tunnels through the Alps.
According to Tingvall, the cameras would most likely be separated by distances of three to five kilometres. In built-up areas the distances between the cameras would be much shorter.
But because the system entails taking photographs of motorists who are driving under the speed limit, many people have objected to its potential surveillance implications.
"The system makes a lot of sense from a road safety and climate standpoint, but we will only put it in place if it is really accepted by the majority of people," said Tingvall.
Stressing the importance of personal integrity, he added that the Administration would throw away all photos of drivers not found to be breaking the rules of the road.
"It is important that we don't challenge people's trust," said Tingvall.
If there are no legal hindrances and the scheme has the support of the general public, he estimates that the technology will be put in place in around two year's time.
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Over the next few months the Administration intends teaming up with police to look into the legalities of the issue before presenting a formal proposal by the end of the year.
"We want to first ensure that it is legally possible and that it does not pose a threat to personal integrity," road safety director Claes Tingvall told The Local.
A dual camera system would prevent motorists from putting their foot to the floor moments after passing a speed camera.
Systems of this type are already in place in the UK, Norway and in tunnels through the Alps.
According to Tingvall, the cameras would most likely be separated by distances of three to five kilometres. In built-up areas the distances between the cameras would be much shorter.
But because the system entails taking photographs of motorists who are driving under the speed limit, many people have objected to its potential surveillance implications.
"The system makes a lot of sense from a road safety and climate standpoint, but we will only put it in place if it is really accepted by the majority of people," said Tingvall.
Stressing the importance of personal integrity, he added that the Administration would throw away all photos of drivers not found to be breaking the rules of the road.
"It is important that we don't challenge people's trust," said Tingvall.
If there are no legal hindrances and the scheme has the support of the general public, he estimates that the technology will be put in place in around two year's time.
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