posted on Apr, 23 2010 @ 07:50 AM
I wouldn't freak out about this just yet, to me it makes absolutely no sense monetarily. Putting a system like this in place requires a constellation
of expensive satellites in orbit as well as installing all of the associated cameras on the ground. As for the satellites, they will face a trade off
between camera size, weight, and resolution vs. the orbital altitude they want and cost. Consider that if they use a smaller, cheaper, camera then
they have to place the satellite closer to the ground in order to achieve the required resolution, but this will greatly shorten the lifespan of the
satellite. So they are making the gamble that an enormously expensive system will pay for itself and more with probably a 10 to 15 year lifespan. Also
consider that by its very nature this system is a victim of its own success. If you really want to screw them over, just stop speeding, so the system
has absolutely no chance of making a profit during its lifetime. I doubt they would maintain a system that lost millions rather than made money.
Although now that I think about it, if you stop speeding, citizens will foot the bill anyway through taxes...I guess if I was forced to buy a
satellite I'd at least have some fun seeing if it worked. In a safe area of course...