Tuesday, July 05, 2005
OnStar Creep
"The hottest topic at the moment is identity cards. Tony Blair says these are vital to fight terrorism, organised crime, and benefit and identity fraud.

The Prime Minister and Home Secretary Charles Clarke say they will be voluntary, with a vote by both Houses of Parliament at Westminster needed to make them compulsory. Few doubt that if Labour stays in power the necessary votes will take place and be won.

Antisocial behaviour orders - constantly being tinkered with to make them more Draconian in both Scotland and England - are another sign of the Government's authoritarian tendencies.

And if Edinburgh MP and Transport and Scottish Secretary Alistair Darling gets his way, every car will have to have an electronic tracking device to allow road charging.

This will mean that every driver will be tracked by a satellite everywhere they go."

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Speed Spies
"It is the ultimate back seat driver. Motorists face having their cars fitted with a 'spy' device that stops speeding.

The satellite-based system will monitor the speed limit and apply the brakes or cut out the accelerator if the driver tries to exceed it. A government-funded trial has concluded that the scheme promotes safer driving.

Drivers in London could be among the first to have the 'speed spy' devices fitted. They would be offered a discount on the congestion charge if they use the system."


And what do we get if we submit to daily drug and alcohol tests? Cheaper gas?
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