Abstract:
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.
