Effects of e-enforcement in the Netherlands

E-enforcement, or electronic enforcement, is the use of electronic tools in law enforcement. We shall distinguish between the first and second generations of e-enforcement. The first generation of e-enforcement tools provided means of "automated enforcement". This article is based on our research into the effects of two forms of second generation e-enforcement: the digital tachograph and 'Weigh in Motion' (WIM). The digital tachograph replaces the analog tachograph in all heavy goods vehicles within the European Union. The equipment registers drivers' driving and rest times. Weigh in Motion with Video (WIM-Vid) is a system involving sensors in the road and cameras, which detect and register overloading of heavy goods vehicles. The WIM-Vid system was developed and implemented in the Netherlands and is currently attracting international attention. We compare the situation prior to the introduction of these e-enforcement measures to the situation after the introduction of e-enforcement.