Spy-in-the-sky system could detect speeding drivers, says UU

Satellite-based spy-in-the-sky systems may soon be used in the UK to catch speeding drivers, a University of Ulster transport and traffic expert has claimed.

Professor Alan Woodside, Director of the Transport and Road Assessment Centre (TRAC) at the University of Ulster, said that all new vehicles in Britain would have Global Positioning System (GPS) devices within five years - many haulage companies already use the system to keep track of their vehicles.

If introduced across the UK, a GPS system would avoid problems caused by the recent introduction of congestion charging in London, where cameras record car numberplates as they enter the inner city. That system has cut congestion, but there is evidence that it had encouraged more people drive to suburban shopping centres instead.

“The irony of this is that people may then become even more car-dependent, as public transport cannot provide the network density required to compete with the private cars in the suburbs,” said Professor Woodside.

The UK’s Commission for Integrated Transport has already suggested a GPS system that would charge drivers for every trip, priced according to traffic levels, journey times and length.

Professor Woodside continued: “If you drive during off-peak periods on relatively uncongested roads you would pay a minimal charge, whereas drivers who insist on driving in peak periods on roads operating at peak capacity will pay significantly more for the privilege.

“This will make drivers think about the necessity of each journey they make.”

Professor Woodside said heavy levies could be imposed on drivers making short trips within walking distances, and cheaper rates could apply for ‘green’ cars that pump out less pollution.

“Road safety would be transformed by the use of such technology to monitor driver behaviour and actions before an accident," he added.

“There is even the potential to issue penalty points without the need for speed/safety cameras or even traffic police.”

However he said he wasn't bothered by fears of a ‘Big Brother’ system tracking everyone's movements.

“You will always get people who want freedom of movement, but there is also a cost,” he said.

“Sustainability is thinking of the children of the future, not just thinking of self. You can't just live for yourself and think someone else will worry about the congestion and the pollution and the wear and tear on the roads that you cause.”

(MB/GMCG)