Residents react to MapQuest new ‘surveillance layer’

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — MapQuest, a digital mapping service, launched a new feature in its mobile app Oct. 15 that allows drivers to see automated license plate readers and other cameras on their maps and along their routes.

The company announced the feature Thursday on social media platform BlueSky.

“The roads have eyes,” MapQuest wrote. “Turn on the Surveillance Layer in Map Options to see known license plate readers from Flock Safety, Motorola Solutions (Vigilant), Genetec, Axis Communications, Axon, Leonardo (ELSAG), Neology, Rekor, PlateSmart, Ubicquia, Verkada and other outdoor surveillance cameras.”

The Coachella Valley has more than 700 automated license plate readers spread across eight of its nine cities, giving the region one of the highest camera-to-person ratios in California.

News Channel 3 is speaking with drivers in the Coachella Valley to learn more about how they plan to use the feature on the roads.