Cycle Savvy

As if CCTV cameras weren't offensive enough already

From an article about loudspeaker-equipped CCTV cameras.

'This isn't about keeping tabs on people, it's about making the streets safer for the law-abiding majority and helping to change the attitudes of those who cause trouble. It challenges unacceptable behaviour and makes people think twice.'
The [reactionary rag of a newspaper] watched as a cyclist riding through a pedestrian area was ordered to stop.
'Would the young man on the bike please get off and walk as he is riding in a pedestrian area,' came the command.
The surprised youth stopped, and looked about. A look of horror spread across his face as he realised the voice was referring to him.
He dismounted and wheeled his bike through the crowded streets, as instructed.
Law-abiding shopper Karen Margery, 40, was shocked to hear the speakers spring into action as she walked past them.
Afterwards she said: 'It's quite scary to realise that your every move could be monitored - it really is like Big Brother.
'But Middlesbrough does have a big problem with anti-social behaviour, so it is very reassuring.'

2 questions:

• Who's shouting at the cars? "Would the gentleman in the BMW please pull over and apologise to the cyclist he just cut up?"
• What's more disturbing, someone cycling through a pedestrian precinct, or a loudspeaker telling those pedestrians what to do?

As far as I'm concerned, you don't get much more antisocial than a voyeur hiding behind a camera giving orders to people. How long before a bored operator starts making sexist comments or freaking out drunks for a laugh?