Intelligent Transport Systems: privacy, security and societal considerations within the Gauteng case study

Intelligent Transport System (ITS) is an umbrella term that describes the integration of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) and applications used in effective road network management. These applications include CCTV surveillance and automated tolling through the use of radio communication infrastructure such as e-tags highway gantries. These technologies may assist in the improvement of road networks, ultimately resulting in the development of the economy and prosperity of the country. As the capture of personal information is essential in an ITS, information ethical concerns surrounding privacy and security of personal information belonging to motorists have been raised. Technologies utilised by ITS place motorists under constant surveillance and monitor transit behaviour in real time. However, the big question is whether or not such technological sophistication and economic gains are the primary success factor to any ITS. While these technologies may assist in the improvement of the physical infrastructure of a country, ignoring social impact issues, in the current economic climate, may be catastrophic to the success of a system. An investigation into international examples of such systems and the ITS currently in the implementation phase in Gauteng, South Africa, offers some insight into the ethical considerations and concerns around the management of Gauteng motorists’ information as they begin to register for the new system. Hommes and Holmner : Intelligent Transport Systems: privacy, security... 193 In the Gauteng case study, the privacy concerns and the perceived tensions that the ITS can create will be debated. The information ethical issues specifically pertaining to privacy and security of personal information of the new ITS have not received sufficient attention in South Africa and herein lies the value of this article.