Some Kootenai County drivers might be surprised to learn the cameras pointing down at them at many local traffic intersections are not for policing. The devices are generally used to help maintain the steady flow of traffic. In Kootenai County, there are two distinct camera styles attached to traffic lights. Both are owned by the Idaho Transportation Department and have similar but separate purposes. The cameras that are single units attached to the tops of traffic signal arms are used for vehicle detection. They do not produce an image. The cameras constantly scan an area to determine when a vehicle is approaching an intersection. Through the detection cameras, ITD is able to keep the traffic flowing and signal patterns changing according to traffic conditions at the time/Jeff Selle, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

Question: Does it make you nervous to live at a time when cameras are recording some of your public activities?