Big brother is watching!

John Paterson (“Signs of the times” OBA 44, Letters) writes about his frustration with traffic signs and the variable messages boards (VMBs) in particular. As a recent ex-employee of the organisation responsible, due to privatisation, I would like to point out that the average transit times displayed on these signs are quite accurate as they are determined by tracking motorists’ e-tags between various points. They can also track “People of interest” almost anywhere, and how often they travel to certain destinations, and if you don’t have an e-tag there is number plate recognition technology for average speed infringements. And yes – they can keep track of you! Mark Dodds Stanwell Tops, NSW