Stationary speed cameras are a violation of privacy laws

The “great majority” of stationary police radar cameras are illegal because they are in violation of privacy laws, according to Belgium’s Privacy Commission.

“If a vehicle is ‘flashed,’ the police have the license plate number as well as the name and address of the car owner,” Peter Van den Eynde of the Privacy Commission said. “Every time this data is used should be communicated. The police should not be allowed to circumvent this rule.”

Van den Eynde was referring to speed cameras mounted on poles or bridges, which police are required to register with the Privacy Commission. By contrast, the privacy restrictions do not apply to mobile radar, such as those inside squad cars.