CCTV Automatic Contravention Detection
Dear Information Commissioner’s Office,
Some authorities use the Zengrab automatic contravention detection system to enforce bus lanes. This system has an intelligent data processing module which overlays the word Contravention on CCTV images of motorists vehicles which are then used as evidence in support of Penalty Charge Notices even though at the time of data capture it is not known whether a Contravention has actually taken place (a high percentage of penalty charge notices are cancelled following successful appeals). The Penalty Charge Notice correctly describes the incident as an alleged Contravention however the CCTV images referred to above do not make this important distinction.
1. Are you aware of these systems and do you condone this practice?
2. Does this practice contravene the Data Protection Act and its principles eg personal data shall be processed fairly and lawfully? The presumption of innocence principle is not being adhered to and therefore the practice appears to be unfair if not unlawful. The images should either state 'alleged contravention' or make no comment on the case if they are to be used in evidence.
Yours faithfully,
Charles Dawson
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Dear Mr Dawson
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Please visit the ICO website www.ico.org.uk for information about the legislation we oversee and advice on what to do if you are unhappy with the way an organisation has met its information rights obligations.
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Yours sincerely
The Information Commissioner's Office
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