Data protection rules lifted for Police to tap road cameras

Story link: Data protection rules lifted for Police to tap road cameras by Jan Harris

Data protection rules have been temporarily lifted, to allow real-time data from the 1,500 congestion charge cameras in London, to be used by the Metropolitan Police.

Transport for London has been given permission for the bulk transfer of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) data to the police. The move is part of the strategy to combat the continuing threat to London of vehicle-borne terrorist devices.

Currently, the Metropolitan Police have to request data from the cameras on a case-by-case basis.

The plans were announced by Home Office Minister Mr Tony McNulty, but background notes mistakenly attached to the statement revealed that the Home Office hopes to make the new arrangements permanent and extend them across the UK.

The Liberal Democrats have called for a full debate on the issue. The party has called the plan a “Trojan Horse” which will allow police to monitor drivers’ movements without public scrutiny.