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Feds want to install license plate readers along Texas highways; TXDoT says "no" so far

When the Texas Legislature authorized red light cameras last year in SB 1119, no one ever mentioned the idea of installing license plate readers along the highway to track travelers who aren't breaking any laws. But that's what the Drug Enforcement Agency and federal High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task forces want the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDoT) to agree to, according to testimony at yesterday's Senate Criminal Justice Committee hearing.Stan Furce, Director of the Houston HIDTA, said the feds were prepared to spend nearly $15 million to install license plate readers along Texas highways, but TXDoT has told them the law does not allow it.Clearly when the Lege authorized a "photographic traffic signal control system" they were approving red light cameras, not any possible photographic technology...continue to full post

Full post as published by Grits for Breakfast on July 10, 2008 (boomark / email).