Norway’s Progress Party Opposes Proposed Camera Surveillance of Drivers

Norway proposal for camera surveillance of drivers and traffic fines, Digi Mart USA News (Norway): Norway’s Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet, FrP) has reacted to a proposal for expanded camera surveillance of drivers, arguing that motorists should not be treated as lawbreakers.

According to the party’s statement, Norwegian drivers already pay large sums in fees and tolls while road conditions are deteriorating. The party said the government is now considering additional surveillance and fines for motorists.

The proposal, which was sent out for public consultation by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens Vegvesen), would allow a vehicle owner to receive a traffic fine even if another person was driving the car. It would also require the fine to be paid even if the owner appeals the decision.

Party spokesperson Hoksrud said the proposal would undermine personal privacy and the right to fair treatment. “It is completely backwards that you should be able to get a bill for something you did not do, and then be required to pay before your complaint has been processed,” he said.

“People should be able to trust that the authorities treat them fairly.”

Hoksrud also objected to the proposal’s provision for expanding automatic enforcement to additional types of traffic violations. “This is about much more than a few cameras along the road.

It is about giving the authorities blank checks to monitor and fine drivers. Such intrusions into people’s private lives must be stopped,” he said.

Hoksrud argued that the proposal reflects a fundamental difference between the Progress Party and the government in how they view motorists. “For the Progress Party, the car is about freedom: the freedom to get to work, pick up children from daycare and keep everyday life running,” he said.

He added that while the maintenance backlog on Norwegian roads is enormous, time is being spent on proposals that make motorists’ daily lives harder.

“The government should focus its efforts on safer roads, lower tolls and better accessibility. People need better roads, not more surveillance and more fines,” Hoksrud concluded.