[rsheidler]

I note that they exempt "all 2-wheeled vehicles" rather than specifying motorcycles. That gets them out of arguements over whether Corbin Sparrows (and old Morgan, Reliant and other 3-wheelers) qualify.



Very interesting experiment. Not sure I like the enforcement mechanism of photographing license plates and matching them to the database of paid-up commuters. Smacks a bit too much of Big Brother for my tastes.



Bob

 

[rsheidler]

Actually, that is the BBC news site, rather than the official site, but clearly the intention is to exclude motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles and the like.



Bob

 

[rsheidler]

Socialism?

Gooseman

I share your concerns with the photo enforcement mechanism, but I am surprised to see you describe the concept of charging for driving in the city as "Socialism."

I am not a particular fan of toll roads, personally, but my reasons are due to the resulting disruption of traffic flows. Having the users of the roads bear the cost of construction and maintenance is much LESS socialistic than having this borne by the taxpaying public, in my opinion.

In congested cities such as London (LA and San Francisco also come to mind), this approach which gives economic incentives to chose alternative transport is better than some of the alternative choices which have been proposed, like even-odd license number days, outright car bans in large areas, or the ever-popular, heavily subsidised mass transit to entice us out of our cars.

Regards

Bob

*Singles and Twins Forever!*

 

[rsheidler]

Re: Oop

I imagine it would qualify. The difference is that alternative fuel vehicles have to apply for an exemption while 2-wheelers are automatically exempt -- I assume that is because the cameras cannot automatically determine the fuel type.

 

[rsheidler]

The difference here is that the red light cameras (or photoradar as well) only take pictures (or at least only keep those) when the sensor indicates a probable violation. If you do not run a red light or speed through a radar trap, you can reasonably expect to avoid being photographed.



This new deal would require substantially all vehicles being photographed and the data kept at least long enough to match plate numbers with either exemptions or paid fees. Takes the level of privacy invasion at least another step towards Orwell's 1984.