Bluf: Flock’s license plate readers are being vandalized nationwide, sparking fresh debate over privacy and the future of road‑side surveillance.
Design & Looks
Flock’s devices look like small black boxes mounted on traffic lights or street poles. They blend in with other city hardware, so most drivers never notice them. The enclosures are weather‑proof, but they’re not built to withstand intentional damage. Graffiti, spray paint and even broken glass have been reported in several states.
Flock License Plate Readers Keep Getting Vandalized – What It Means for Surveillance
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Image: Flock License Plate Readers Keep Getting Vandalized – What It Means for Surveillance – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Because the units are low‑profile, vandals often target the camera lens with stickers or paint. Once the lens is obscured, the system can’t read plates, rendering the whole network ineffective in that area.
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Performance & Mileage
Flock claims its readers can process up to 2,500 plates per hour, with a 98% accuracy rate in good lighting. In real‑world tests, accuracy drops to about 85% at night or in heavy rain. When a camera is vandalized, the “mileage” of the system – the distance it can cover reliably – drops sharply. A single damaged unit can create a blind spot of several miles on a highway.
Many municipalities rely on this data for toll collection, stolen‑vehicle alerts, and traffic‑flow analysis. The recent wave of vandalism means those services are less dependable, forcing cities to look for backup solutions.
Price & Rivals
Flock markets its readers at roughly $1,200 per unit, plus installation and monthly data‑service fees. Competitors like PlateSmart and Vigilant offer similar hardware at $1,000‑$1,500, but some include anti‑vandal shields or remote‑reset capabilities.
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When a reader is damaged, owners face repair costs that can quickly add up. Some cities have started buying ruggedized housings from third‑party vendors, raising the total price per unit to $1,800.
| Engine | Mileage | Price | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Up to 2,500 plates/hr (≈ 150 mi of highway) | $1,200 | AI plate recognition, real‑time alerts, cloud storage |
| N/A | Varies with damage | $1,500 (with anti‑vandal kit) | Reinforced housing, remote reboot, weather‑proof |
FAQ
- What are Flock license plate readers used for? They capture vehicle plates to help with tolling, stolen‑car alerts, and traffic analysis.
- Why are they being vandalized? Privacy concerns and public backlash against constant monitoring motivate some people to deface or destroy the cameras.
- Can cities protect these devices? Adding anti‑vandal shields, using remote monitoring and quick‑replace policies can reduce downtime.
What do you think about road‑side surveillance? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Read Official News
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