Big Brother has an eye on the N1

On Thursday the Arrive Alive Website received an enquiry for assistance in identifying the alleged perpetrator of a road rage incident. The complainant alleged that someone has intentionally broken the side mirror of his Toyota Hilux with a baton. The incident occurred on the N1 North shortly after the N14/N1 intersection and approximately 1km before John Vorster Drive.

The complainant was aware of the presence of fixed cameras on this road and enquired whether the footage from these cameras could be made available. He also informed me that he has laid a criminal charge at the Garsfontein police station.

This request for info was forwarded to the National Roads Agency for a reply. An important directive was received from the National Roads Agency, confirming that data will only be made available at the request of the Metro, provincial and national law enforcement agencies. Similar requests are often raised by members of the public and it is important to note that considerations of privacy will prevent the release of data to private individuals.

It is thus important that complainants in these cases work through the investigating officer should they believe that data might be available that could be of paramount importance for the prosecuting authorities.

Data from these cameras are kept for 7 days and it is envisaged that this will be increased to record keeping over 30 days!