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Residents urge caution over Flock license‑plate cameras and ask council to scrutinize renewal
Summary
A resident warned council about reported security vulnerabilities in Flock license‑plate cameras and recommended careful review before renewing the township's contract; commenters also thanked DOT for a new left‑turn arrow and sought clarification on litigation costs and notice for zoning hearings.
During the second public‑comment period on June 9, residents raised safety and privacy concerns about automated license‑plate cameras operated under a private contract (referred to in testimony as Flock). Thomas Blake said academic research has shown multiple vulnerabilities and urged the council to scrutinize any contract renewal and the company’s data‑retention and network practices.
Blake said the contract is roughly $70,000 over two years, that the company retains data for 21 days under the standard terms he reviewed, and that known vulnerabilities could allow third parties to access footage. He also cited a recent ParkMobile data breach and said cross‑referencing license‑plate images could identify vehicle owners. "There's a lot of known security issues," Blake told the council and recommended delaying or closely limiting any contract renewal until technical vulnerabilities are vetted.
Other public comments that evening included praise for DOT’s left‑turn arrow installation at Route 15 and House's Corner Road, and a resident request for staff to review litigation‑related charges that a resident had tallied to about $1.5 million across accounts. Councilors and staff said they would verify notice and audit questions and respond at a later date.
The council did not take immediate action on surveillance systems during the meeting.
