Originally posted: Written by LaVarr Webb on . Posted in Today At Utah Policy
Everyone hates being stuck in traffic. Or sitting at a long red light when no traffic is coming from other directions.
New technology incorporating roadside sensors to monitor traffic patterns could enable the Utah Department of Transportation, Utah Transit Authority, and local governments to better manage transportation systems and reduce congestion. However, a few changes are needed to current law to allow use of anonymous location data collected from electronic devices.
Legislation sponsored by Rep. John Knotwell of Herriman, is designed to enable use of aggregated traffic data for a variety of applications, while still protecting the privacy of citizens. The legislation would not allow use of the data for investigative purposes by a law enforcement agency.
The supporters of HB369, including transportation agencies, say it is necessary to enable the transformation to advanced traffic management, connected cars, and eventually autonomous vehicles. The legislation allows UDOT or other agencies to receive and utilize electronic data containing the location information of an electronic device from a non-government agency “as long as the electronic data contains no information that includes, or may reveal, the identity of an individual.”