Data Protection chief concerned at 'surveillance society'

The Data Protection Commissioner has expressed concern about the potential use of traffic speed cameras to create a "surveillance society".

Joe Meade revealed today he had been asked by the Department of Transport if the cameras could be used for detecting car tax and insurance evasion.

At present, the law does not allow this and Mr Meade said he was concerned that if speed cameras were used to detect other offences, it could be the thin edge of the wedge.

"This has the potential, if it's not properly controlled, to be an overall surveillance situation," he said.