Cameras Used To Tow Cars For Overdue Library Books

(Mis)Uses of Technology

from the watch-out dept

Bob Dole writes “If you thought allowing cameras to enforce traffic laws wasn’t a problem, you better check and see whether you have any overdue library books. Next month, Arlington, Virginia will use a camera system called BootFinder to scan parked cars to find any that belong to people listed in a database as owing the city any money — no matter how minor. The city has the option of towing your car and auctioning it if it’s not ransomed within 10 days. New Haven, Connecticut has already made $500,000 and towed hundreds of cars with this scheme. Mark my words, jaywalking cameras are next.” The system works by having a camera attached to a minivan that drives around the neighborhood and identifies license plates. Update: Reading through the details shows that one person who had his car towed via this system is already suing, claiming illegal search and seizure.