From what I remember when this was posted on !ubc@lemmy.ca and the UBC subreddit, they ARE automatic license plate readers, but they are likely not connected to a wider network.

UBC uses them for parking enforcement, where if you park too long then you'll get a ticket in the mail. I feel like they've been in use for many years now, but I can't confirm that.

I'd support a review of the cameras regardless, in case they ARE sharing data, storing it too long, using it for some other purpose, capturing more than they need to, etc

However, I'm not as concerned about these ones compared to something like Flock potentially setting up on our public roads

edit, sources from another thread:

• https://lemmy.ca/comment/24873481
• https://universitycounsel.ubc.ca/terms-use-safety-and-security-camera-systems
• https://www.casestudies.com/company/genetec/case-study/ubc-boosts-parking-compliance-for-8000-spots-with-genetec-autovu-alpr-system

My HD and Lowes both have them. The lowes, in an ultimate dick move, doesn't just track you coming to their entrances, they put them where they can see the intersection of the whole fucking mall, both ways. They're getting thousands of cars.