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Zeeb · May 11, 2009, 09:27 AM

I suppose it was only a matter of time before satellite/gps technology was used to control speeding. This is actually a little scary though, as this version will actually seize control of your vehicle(in one mode) if you exceed a speed limit in a particular zone and slow you down. For now its just in cabs, buses and government vehicles but it might not be long before it reaches the general populace. I'm certain many U.S. cities are salivating over how this may turn out. However, I can see one big obstacle for this catching on--speeding tickets. If a satellite system slows you down then that would prevent you from getting a ticket, which would deprive local governments of money. Of course, I suppose they could adapt it to automatically send you a ticket if it caught you speeding.

http://gizmodo.com/5248753/london-to...ing-from-space

Doofy · May 11, 2009, 10:07 AM

This is EU driven - I saw the directive which this stems from once. Basically, the UK is the test bed for this kind of thing becoming EU-wide. The whole also includes total vehicle tracking - so they know where you (or your vehicle) is at all times.

And that was typed with no tin foil in the room. None at all.

shifuimam · May 11, 2009, 10:07 AM

One can only hope that the US won't chase this dream for awhile.

I don't buy that the EU is going to use this for civilian tracking, though.

Plus, if your car doesn't have GPS or the mechanics to slow down from remote commands, how will the system affect you?

Doofy · May 11, 2009, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by shifuimam

I don't buy that the EU is going to use this for civilian tracking, though.

Well, whether you buy it or not, it's going to happen. You don't think they spent all that money putting the EU version of the GPS system up there for nothing, did you?

http://www.kable.co.uk/european-vehi...acking-01apr09

Originally Posted by shifuimam

Plus, if your car doesn't have GPS or the mechanics to slow down from remote commands, how will the system affect you?

It's simple. They'll require manufacturers to install the system on all new cars and then, in the name of all that is green, they'll outlaw vehicles over ten years old. We're seeing the start of this right now with the current "government will pay you if you scrap and buy new" scheme going on here at the moment. After ten years, bang, we're all tracked.

badidea · May 11, 2009, 10:33 AM

Yeah but how will they track you if you put a tinfoil hat on your cars roof!?

Doofy · May 11, 2009, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by badidea

Yeah but how will they track you if you put a tinfoil hat on your cars roof!?

That's already known to work - well, wrapping the receiver in tinfoil, anyways. As is removing the things and leaving them in your garage. I'm guessing they're going to implement some kind of starter interlock (like they do with brake pedals on US cars) so you won't be able to start unless the box receives signal.

Zeeb · May 11, 2009, 11:17 AM

I've got my whole apartment wrapped in tinfoil.

At any rate, they could get people to accept it by explaining that if you agree to have the device installed and you allow it to slow your car down--you'll always be protected from getting a speeding ticket. Then, at some point they'll revoke that offer and not only will your car slow down you'll get a speeding ticket anyway. All those cops hiding behind billboards in the midwest will be out of jobs!

Doofy · May 11, 2009, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by Zeeb

All those cops hiding behind billboards in the midwest will be out of jobs!

Nahh. They'll be redeployed as bottom inspectors to make sure you're not using too much TP.

Zeeb · May 11, 2009, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by Doofy

Nahh. They'll be redeployed as bottom inspectors to make sure you're not using too much TP.

If they're cute I'm totally fine with that. Bring on the future!

Spheric Harlot · May 11, 2009, 05:53 PM

Actually, my friend would have got his stolen van back a *lot* faster if he'd got around to installing the GPS tracker he had lying in the back (as it was, he got it back after three months - against ALL odds - because the thieves were contract parts thieves who laid low for six weeks before parting it out, and were working with an assessor and a dealer who was being watched by the cops).

Of course, all practicability aside, the point of checks and balances is the assumption that whatever the government is enabled to do, it *will* do eventually (even if under a completely different leadership, fifteen or twenty-five years down the line - the big danger of the Homeland Security Act).

shifuimam · May 12, 2009, 10:41 AM

So far, the stuff is only being implemented in government-owned or managed vehicles, like city buses.

I'm just saying it's a little premature to get all 1984 about it.

d4nth3m4n · May 12, 2009, 11:07 AM

Zeeb · May 12, 2009, 11:17 AM

I have to say that's a creepy sign.

Spheric Harlot · May 12, 2009, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by shifuimam

So far, the stuff is only being implemented in government-owned or managed vehicles, like city buses.

I'm just saying it's a little premature to get all 1984 about it.

"Premature" just means "early", as you may note.

moonmonkey · May 14, 2009, 03:56 AM

Originally Posted by Zeeb

I have to say that's a creepy sign.

That look is very 1984 / prisoner-ish.
Its almost like they are making a joke about the fact you know they are watching you.

andi*pandi · May 14, 2009, 02:25 PM

and when the computer in charge of taking over your car screws up and you crash into a building... yeah, no.