Britian To Track Every Car Trip

Using a network of thousands of CCTV cameras which will be able to read license plates, Britain will be first country to monitor every car journey on all motorways and main roads. Data will be stored for two years.

1 minute read

December 23, 2005, 7:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Using a network of cameras that can automatically read every passing number plate, the plan is to build a huge database of vehicle movements so that the police and security services can analyse any journey a driver has made over several years.

...The network will incorporate thousands of existing CCTV cameras which are being converted to read number plates automatically night and day to provide 24/7 coverage of all motorways and main roads, as well as towns, cities, ports and petrol-station forecourts."

Thursday, December 22, 2005 in The Independent (UK)

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 14, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Cars driving under automatic congestion pricing toll machines on Broadway next to the Trump International Hotel in Manhattan, New York City.

Data reveals that NYC’s bet on congestion pricing has paid off

After almost two years of the program, reports show positive impacts on traffic and air quality and no disruptions to parking.

October 13, 2026 - Marcelo Remond

A row of tiny homes in Denver

Denver is solving homelessness. Why aren't the rest of us?

Since 2023, Denver's street homeless population has decreased by 64%, proving that effective tools exist to support those in need of housing.

October 14, 2026 - New York Times

A suburban area of California.

Will sprawl save California?

California residents will vote on Proposition 45 in November, which would make it easier to build large housing developments on the outskirts of the state’s cities.

3 hours ago - New York Times

A leaking oil well in Texas contaminates a field.

Texas suburbs are popping up around old oil wells. Some are starting to leak

Several plugged wells in Texas have failed in recent years, endangering those who unknowingly settled nearby.

4 hours ago - Inside Climate News

Two Black children roller skate.

This Chicago neighborhood is using planning to increase life expectancy

The Garfield Park Quality-Of-Life Plan aims to bring residents everything from easier access to fresh food to revitalized commercial corridors.

5 hours ago - Block Club Chicago