Editorial: Cameras do have the right focus

A sneaky breach of privacy - or a novel new way to catch traffic crims?

This is the question that arises from our front-page story today about police using a high-powered camera to covertly take photos of people in their cars.

Officers are targeting offences and wrongdoing such as drivers using cellphones, taking their hands off the wheel and not wearing seatbelts. They will use the photographs to pull over offenders or in follow-up inquiries.

My first instinct was that it is a breach of privacy and a bit sneaky.

Can we not reasonably expect to drive on the roads without being photographed by police trying to catch us out?

But the more I think about it the more I think the idea has merit.

For years now we've had security cameras in the central city, shops, malls and on our main roads, recording our movements and being able to be used to enforce the law.

These days, hardly anyone bats an eyelid. They're simply part of the landscape and anyone in a public place can expect to be on film.

This was driven home to me just a few months ago at some traffic lights in town. As I sat there at the red light, the traffic camera swivelled my way. It was as if some anonymous person was looking straight at me through the open car window.

And since the 1990s we've had speed cameras used to great effect on our roads. Back in August, I editorialised on speed cameras, arguing that we should have more to combat the terrible impact speed has on our roads.

This latest police tactic has, predictably, concerned civil libertarians, who believe there should have been more public consultation.

But I believe the Canon camera has merit.

Everyone knows it is illegal to use cellphones in cars - yet some still do.

We all know it is dangerous to take our hands off the wheel or eat while driving, but some people still do.

And while these transgressions might be considered minor by many people, they can be every bit as dangerous as speeding.

Good on the cops for thinking of a new tactic to make our roads safer.

Safe and law-abiding drivers have nothing to fear.

Those putting other people at risk deserve to be caught and pay the price.