A license‑plate reading camera of the Flock brand was observed in Montreal on August 12, 2026. Municipal authorities and the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) both stated that they had not installed the device, leaving its presence unexplained.
License‑plate cameras are technology used in some jurisdictions to capture vehicle registration numbers as part of traffic monitoring, enforcement of speed limits, or management of congestion. The equipment typically records images of passing cars and can transmit data to central systems for analysis.
The deployment of such cameras can be a source of public debate. Proponents argue that the technology helps improve road safety and supports law‑enforcement operations, while critics raise concerns about privacy, the scope of surveillance, and the transparency of installation decisions. In several cities, the introduction of automatic number‑plate recognition systems has sparked discussions about the balance between security benefits and civil liberties.
Both the City of Montreal and the SPVM responded to inquiries about the Flock camera by confirming that they had no involvement in its placement. Officials indicated that no municipal or police program had authorized the installation of a new license‑plate reading system at the location where the camera was seen. The statements did not provide further details about whether the device might belong to a private entity or a different government agency.
The unidentified camera remains in place as of the reporting date, and no additional information has been released regarding its ownership or intended purpose. Authorities have not indicated any immediate plans to investigate or remove the equipment, and the matter continues to attract attention from residents interested in the city’s surveillance practices.