London drivers exempt from privacy

If you did not already know - there are a ring of highly sophisticated cameras within London, which are used to operate the central london congestion charge system. These cameras are fitted with automatic plate recognition (APNR) technology.


Last week the Police in London were granted exemption from the Data Protection Act to track the city's motorists. The Home Office has granted The Metropolitan Police full, real time access to surveillance footage from London's congestion system cameras.

"The camera data shall only be processed for the purpose of processing for matters relating to safeguarding national security, it shall not be used for general policing purposes," said the document which sets out the reasons for granting the exemption"

I would like to see a definition of "National Security". Not really a big deal, just means more people will have access to our details. Car registration, facial images and driving habits : )