Please note: The algorithm descriptions in English have been automatically translated. Errors may have been introduced in this process. For the original descriptions, go to the Dutch version of the Algorithm Register.

MONOcam

MONOcam is used by the police during traffic checks. MONOcam checks all passing drivers of (cargo) cars whether they have a mobile electronic device in their hand.

Last change on 31st of January 2025, at 14:51 (CET) | Publication Standard 1.0
Publication category
Impactful algorithms
Impact assessment
DPIA
Status
In use

General information

Theme

Public Order and Safety

Begin date

2021-07

Contact information

https://www.politie.nl/

Responsible use

Goal and impact

The aim is to increase road safety. MONOcam can be used to check whether drivers of cars and trucks have a mobile electronic device in their hands. The police use MONOcam during traffic checks. Drivers of cars and trucks who have a mobile electronic device in their hands are fined.

Considerations

The advantage of MONOcam is that a check can be carried out by one person and clear pictures of violations are taken. The disadvantage is that an offender only gets the fine sent home later. So the offender is not personally addressed during or shortly after the offence.

Human intervention

MONOcam checks whether drivers of cars and trucks have a mobile electronic device in their hands. Possible violations are stored on a laptop and then reviewed by an employee. Data from disapproved violations are immediately deleted. Data from approved offences are forwarded to the police central computer and then deleted from the laptop.

Risk management

Recognised risks in the use of MONOcam are listed. Then, for each risk, we look at whether and how it can be addressed. The solution may, for example, be to provide additional explanation to users or to adapt something to the MONOcam system.

Legal basis

The legal basis of MONOcam is described in Article 3 of the Police Act. MONOcam is used for enforcement of Article 5a(1k) of the 1994 Road Traffic Act.

Links to legal bases

  • Politiewet: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0031788/2024-08-01/0/Hoofdstuk1/Artikel1/informatie
  • Wegenverkeerswet: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0006622/2025-01-01#HoofdstukII

Impact assessment

Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)

Operations

Data

Video recordings are used in the development of MONOcam. These recordings are deleted after use.

Technical design

The MONOcam system consists of a laptop and a video camera that provides high-quality images. In the images from the video camera, the MONOcam algorithm searches for number plates. For each licence plate found, the licence plate is read and the country the vehicle comes from is determined. For each licence plate, the corresponding windscreen is searched, of which only the driver's side is further viewed. In it, the algorithm looks for hands, mobile electronic devices and phone holders.

If the algorithm sees a hand containing a mobile electronic device that is not in a phone holder, the photos are saved as possible offences.

External provider

Internally developed

Similar algorithm description

  • In Arnhem, scan cars drive around, driven by employees of the parking company P1. These scan cars use license plate recognition to check whether a parking right exists and if not, an additional charge (parking ticket) is sent.

    Last change on 23rd of May 2024, at 14:02 (CET) | Publication Standard 1.0
    Publication category
    Impactful algorithms
    Impact assessment
    DPIA
    Status
    In use