Why Is NYC Gathering E-ZPass Data Far From Toll Plazas?

Back on January 9, 2013, Danny Ruscillo, President of the 100th Precinct Community Council,  posted the following regarding those funny looking boxes attached to traffic signal poles along Cross Bay Boulevard.

January 9, 2013

 I've been inquiring on these devices in Broad Channel located on Cross Bay Blvd.

This is part of a DHS coastal storm evacuation route project. This information was sent to me directly from the D.O.T. Commissioner of Brooklyn on August 16th 2013.

 Danny Ruscillo

President

100th Pct Community Council

Just recently I noticed that these same devices are located throughout the city such as those pictured below in midtown Manhattan.

Apparently, these devices have been around since July, 2011, when they were introduced as part of a real time traffic management system to reduce congestion in in Manhattan but have now expanded to the boroughs.

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) has now submitted a FOIL request to various city and state agencies to establish how data obtained via this system is being used and whether it is being shared with law enforcement agencies like the NYCPD.