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Monocams are high-tech cameras that are mounted on bridges on motorways to better detect mobile phone use while driving. They monitor traffic from an elevated position. The camera records an image of the offence and uses an artificial intelligence system to check that it is indeed an offence. However, to ensure that the technology is not the only one checking the offence, the image is also viewed by a police officer, who ultimately decides whether to issue a fine and a penalty point in Flensburg. But only if the authorities confirm the incident will the fine be imposed and the sanction enforced.

 

In Germany, there have always been problems with data protection and potentially problematic mass surveillance. However, the Trier District Court has ruled that the focus of such matters is important ( 27c OWi 8041 Js 2838/23). The purpose of the surveillance is not to check people's identities, but to improve road safety. According to the court, there is therefore no breach of data protection rules.

Hundreds of offences were detected during test runs in Rhineland-Palatinate last year, so the pilot project has been a success. In any case, it is clear that more violations will be detected and sanctions will be imposed. However, it should be stressed that the focus is solely on road safety, as there have been too many accidents involving mobile devices in recent years. In Rhineland-Palatinate alone, there have been around 1000 accidents caused by distraction.

 

Already established in the Netherlands

The Monocam is already familiar from the Netherlands, where it has been in use for some time. The Dutch Public Prosecution Service has announced that checks will be stepped up. The flexibility of the camera means that it can be set up anywhere at any time. So far there are locations in The Hague, Utrecht and Noord-Holland, but this will also change, so caution and vigilance are required. The photo is researched in a similar way to Germany. The camera has the ability to check if someone is using a mobile phone. If this is the case, the photo will be sent to the central registration centre, where it will be checked for uniqueness. If it is, a fine is imposed. More cameras are being installed and the first fines will be issued in April. In the Netherlands, photography has been a familiar thing since 2021 - now it is simply being tightened up.

 

Source: Pixabay/way-7642285_1280