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Terms of Service

Last Updated: 1 January 2025

Effective Date: 1 January 2025

IMPORTANT NOTICES

⚠️ BETA/DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Traffic Snitch is an experimental development project in beta phase. This service is provided "as-is" for testing and evaluation purposes only. Service availability, features, and functionality are subject to change or discontinuation without notice.

⚠️ NOT FOR ENFORCEMENT USE

Traffic Snitch is NOT intended for, designed for, or suitable for law enforcement purposes. Traffic detection data is indicative only and should not be relied upon for legal, regulatory, or enforcement decisions. This system is not certified by any regulatory authority for enforcement use.

⚠️ ACCURACY LIMITATIONS

Detection readings are approximate and provided for community awareness purposes only. Actual accuracy may vary based on environmental factors, device positioning, calibration, and other variables. Do not rely on this data for critical decisions.

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using the Traffic Snitch service ("Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you disagree with any part of these Terms, you may not access the Service.

"You" and "User" refer to the individual or entity accessing the Service.

"We", "Us", and "Traffic Snitch" refer to the Traffic Snitch Development Project.

2. Description of Service

Traffic Snitch provides:

Web-based dashboard for monitoring traffic data
Device registration and management for traffic monitoring devices
Data collection and storage of traffic detection events
Analytics and reporting features
API access for device communication

Purpose: Community awareness and traffic safety advocacy through indicative traffic monitoring.

NOT provided: Enforcement-grade detection, legal evidence, certified accuracy, or any service suitable for legal or regulatory purposes.

3. Beta Service Disclaimer

3.1 Experimental Nature

Traffic Snitch is an experimental proof-of-concept project. The Service:

⚠️ May contain bugs, errors, or incomplete features
⚠️ May be unavailable without notice
⚠️ May change significantly or be discontinued
⚠️ Is provided without guarantees of fitness for any purpose

3.2 No Service Level Agreement (SLA)

We do not guarantee:

❌ Uptime or availability
❌ Data accuracy or reliability
❌ Feature stability or continuity
❌ Support response times
❌ Data retention beyond stated periods

3.3 Right to Discontinue

We reserve the right to:

Suspend or terminate the Service at any time
Remove or modify features without notice
Change pricing or access terms (with 30 days' notice for paid users)

If we discontinue the Service, we will provide 30 days' notice and an opportunity to export your data.

4. User Accounts

4.1 Registration

To use the Service, you must:

Provide accurate, current, and complete information
Be at least 13 years of age
Maintain the security of your account credentials
Accept our Privacy Policy

You are responsible for all activity under your account.

4.2 Account Security

You must:

✅ Keep your password confidential
✅ Use a strong, unique password
✅ Notify us immediately of unauthorized access
✅ Not share your account with others

We are not liable for losses from unauthorized use of your account if you fail to maintain security.

4.3 Account Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account if:

You breach these Terms
You engage in fraudulent or abusive behaviour
You use the Service for illegal purposes
Your account remains inactive for 12+ months

You may delete your account at any time via Settings or by emailing trafficsnitch.mailer@gmail.com.

5. Acceptable Use Policy

5.1 Permitted Uses

You may use the Service for:

✅ Community traffic safety awareness
✅ Advocacy for traffic calming measures
✅ Educational and research purposes
✅ Personal interest in local traffic patterns
✅ Providing indicative data to local authorities (with disclaimers)

5.2 Prohibited Uses

You may NOT use the Service for:

❌ Enforcement or Legal Purposes

Law enforcement traffic detection or monitoring
Generating evidence for legal proceedings
Issuing fines or penalties
Any purpose requiring certified accuracy

❌ Harassment or Intimidation

Targeting specific individuals or vehicles
Publishing data to shame or harass drivers
Vigilante enforcement activities
Creating hostile community environments

❌ Illegal Activities

Violating privacy laws or surveillance regulations
Unauthorized monitoring of private property
Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
Any activity prohibited by UK law

❌ System Abuse

Hacking, reverse engineering, or exploiting vulnerabilities
Overloading systems with excessive requests
Circumventing access controls or authentication
Interfering with other users' access

❌ Misrepresentation

Claiming data is enforcement-grade or certified
Falsifying device data or readings
Impersonating Traffic Snitch staff or other users
Misrepresenting the Service's capabilities

5.3 Consequences of Violation

Violation of Acceptable Use may result in:

Immediate account suspension or termination
Removal of data and access to the Service
Reporting to law enforcement (if illegal activity)
Legal action to recover damages

6. Traffic Detection and Accuracy

6.1 Indicative Data Only

Detection readings are indicative estimates, not certified measurements. They:

⚠️ Provide general traffic pattern awareness only
⚠️ May vary significantly due to environmental factors
⚠️ Are NOT calibrated by certified technicians
⚠️ Are NOT admissible as legal evidence

Factors affecting accuracy include:

Device positioning and angle
Weather conditions (rain, fog, wind)
Vehicle characteristics and proximity
Multiple vehicles in detection zone
Electromagnetic interference
Sensor limitations

6.2 Not Certified or Approved

Traffic Snitch devices are:

❌ NOT UK Home Office Type Approved
❌ NOT certified for enforcement use
❌ NOT calibrated to legal standards
❌ NOT suitable for evidence in legal proceedings

Hardware components: Commercial off-the-shelf sensors, not certified enforcement devices.

6.3 No Reliance

You agree NOT to rely on traffic detection data for:

Legal or enforcement decisions
Critical safety systems
Financial or contractual decisions
Any purpose requiring certified accuracy

Use at your own risk. We are not liable for decisions made based on detection data.

7. Device Deployment and Surveillance

7.1 User Responsibility

If you deploy a physical traffic monitoring device, YOU are responsible for:

✅ Compliance with UK surveillance and privacy laws
✅ Appropriate signage (if monitoring public space)
✅ Respecting individuals' privacy rights
✅ Obtaining necessary permissions (property owners, local authorities)
✅ Compliance with CCTV Code of Practice (if using cameras)
✅ Proper device installation and maintenance

We are NOT responsible for your deployment decisions or compliance with local laws.

7.2 Camera Use (If Enabled)

If using the camera module:

You must comply with UK surveillance laws
You must display appropriate CCTV signage (if monitoring public space)
You must respect privacy expectations
You must NOT use photos to identify or target individuals
Photos are for traffic pattern analysis only, not enforcement

Legal obligations are yours. See our Privacy Policy and seek legal advice if uncertain.

7.3 Private vs. Public Space

Private property: Obtain owner permission before deployment
Public space: May require local authority permission and CCTV signage
Schools/hospitals: Additional privacy protections may apply

When in doubt, consult a solicitor specializing in surveillance law.

8. Data Ownership and Usage Rights

8.1 Your Data

You retain ownership of:

Your account information
Device configuration and names
Location descriptions you provide

We do NOT claim ownership of your personal data.

8.2 Traffic Detection Data

Traffic detection data (detection readings, timestamps, directions) is:

Generated by our system based on sensor inputs
Non-personal data (no driver or vehicle identification)
Aggregated and anonymized for service improvement

You grant us a license to:

Store and process traffic detection data
Aggregate data for analytics and insights
Display data in your dashboard and reports
Use anonymized data to improve the Service

We do NOT:

❌ Sell traffic detection data to third parties
❌ Share individual device data without your consent
❌ Use data for purposes incompatible with community safety

8.3 Aggregated Data

We may use aggregated, anonymized data for:

Service improvement and development
Research and analysis
Public reporting (e.g., "average speeds in UK communities")

Aggregated data does NOT identify you, your devices, or your specific location.

9. Intellectual Property

9.1 Our IP

The Service and its original content, features, and functionality are owned by Traffic Snitch and are protected by:

Copyright
Trademark
Patent (if applicable)
Trade secret
Other intellectual property laws

You may NOT:

❌ Copy, modify, or distribute our software
❌ Reverse engineer or decompile our systems
❌ Use our trademarks without permission
❌ Create derivative works without authorization

9.2 Open Source Components

The Service uses open-source software components licensed under various licenses (MIT, Apache 2.0, etc.). These components remain subject to their original licenses.

Open-source licenses do NOT grant rights to our proprietary components or the Service as a whole.

9.3 User Feedback

If you provide suggestions, feedback, or ideas:

We may use them without obligation or compensation
You grant us a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide license to implement them
We are not required to keep them confidential

10. Pricing and Payment (Future)

10.1 Current Status

Traffic Snitch is currently free during beta phase.

10.2 Future Pricing

We may introduce paid subscription tiers in the future:

30 days' notice will be provided before any charges
Free tier will remain available with limitations
Existing users will be grandfathered or offered discounts

10.3 Payment Terms (If Applicable)

If paid tiers are introduced:

Payments are processed by third-party providers (Stripe, PayPal)
Subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled
Refunds are at our discretion (pro-rata for service failures)
Non-payment may result in service suspension

11. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

11.1 "AS-IS" Disclaimer

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS-IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

❌ Warranties of merchantability
❌ Fitness for a particular purpose
❌ Non-infringement
❌ Accuracy, reliability, or availability
❌ Error-free or uninterrupted operation

WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT:

The Service will meet your requirements
The Service will be uninterrupted or error-free
Data will be accurate, reliable, or suitable for any purpose
Defects will be corrected
The Service is free from viruses or harmful components

11.2 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY UK LAW, WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

❌ Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
❌ Loss of profits, revenue, or business opportunities
❌ Loss of data or information
❌ Personal injury or property damage (except as caused by our negligence)
❌ Third-party claims arising from your use of the Service
❌ Decisions made based on traffic detection data

MAXIMUM LIABILITY: Our total liability to you for any claims arising from the Service shall not exceed:

£100 (one hundred pounds sterling), OR
The amount you paid us in the 12 months before the claim (if applicable)

11.3 Exceptions to Limitations

These limitations do NOT apply to:

✅ Death or personal injury caused by our negligence
✅ Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
✅ Any liability that cannot be excluded by UK law

11.4 Basis of Bargain

You acknowledge that:

These Terms reflect a reasonable allocation of risk
The Service is provided free or at low cost due to these limitations
You would not receive the Service without these limitations

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Traffic Snitch, its affiliates, officers, employees, and agents from:

Claims arising from your use of the Service
Your breach of these Terms
Your violation of any law or regulation
Your infringement of third-party rights (privacy, IP, etc.)
Your deployment of physical devices (including surveillance law violations)

This includes: Legal fees, damages, settlements, and other costs.

Exception: You are not required to indemnify us for our own negligence or willful misconduct.

13. Third-Party Links and Services

The Service may contain links to third-party websites or services:

We do NOT endorse or control third-party content
We are NOT responsible for their privacy practices or content
You access them at your own risk

Examples: ICO website, GitHub repositories, documentation sites.

14. Modifications to Terms

14.1 Right to Modify

We may update these Terms at any time to reflect:

Changes in law or regulation
New features or pricing
Improvements to our practices
Business needs

14.2 Notification

For material changes, we will:

Email you at your registered address
Display a website banner for 30 days
Update the "Last Updated" date

For minor changes (typos, clarifications), we will update the date only.

14.3 Your Options

After a material change:

Continued use constitutes acceptance
If you disagree, delete your account within 30 days

We will provide 30 days' notice for changes that increase your obligations or reduce your rights.

15. Termination

15.1 By You

You may terminate your account at any time:

Via Settings → "Delete My Account"
By emailing trafficsnitch.mailer@gmail.com

Effect: Your data will be soft-deleted immediately and purged from backups within 90 days (see Privacy Policy).

15.2 By Us

We may terminate your account immediately if:

You breach these Terms (especially Acceptable Use)
Your account is used for illegal activity
We discontinue the Service
Required by law or legal process

We will provide notice unless immediate termination is necessary (e.g., fraud, security threat).

15.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

Your access to the Service will cease
Your data will be deleted per our retention policy
These Terms will survive termination where applicable (liability, indemnification, IP)

You may export your data before termination via Settings → "Export Data".

16. Dispute Resolution

16.1 Informal Resolution

Before legal action, you agree to:

Contact us at trafficsnitch.mailer@gmail.com with details of the dispute
Attempt good-faith negotiation for 30 days
Escalate to formal proceedings only if negotiation fails

16.2 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, without regard to conflict of law principles.

16.3 Jurisdiction

Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

You agree that any legal action must be brought in these courts, and you submit to their personal jurisdiction.

16.4 Class Action Waiver

You agree to bring claims only in your individual capacity, not as a plaintiff or class member in any class or representative proceeding.

17. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid:

That provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary
The remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect

18. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Traffic Snitch regarding the Service.

These Terms supersede any prior agreements, communications, or understandings (oral or written).

19. No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms will NOT be deemed a waiver of such right or provision.

Waivers must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative.

20. Assignment

You may NOT assign or transfer these Terms or your account without our written consent.

We may assign these Terms to a successor entity in the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets. You will be notified and may delete your account if you object.

21. Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including:

Natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, storms)
War, terrorism, or civil unrest
Internet or power failures
Government actions or legal restrictions
Pandemics or public health emergencies

22. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms:

General Enquiries: trafficsnitch.mailer@gmail.com

Legal Matters: trafficsnitch.mailer@gmail.com

Privacy/Data Protection: trafficsnitch.mailer@gmail.com

Correspondence Address: [To be added]

Response Times:

General enquiries: 5 business days
Legal matters: 10 business days
Urgent security issues: 1 business day

23. Special Provisions for Specific User Types

23.1 Community Groups (Parish Councils, Residents Associations)

If using the Service on behalf of an organisation:

You warrant you have authority to bind the organisation
The organisation accepts these Terms
The organisation is responsible for all users under its account

23.2 Local Authorities

If you are a local authority or public body:

These Terms apply unless a separate agreement is executed
You acknowledge the Service is NOT suitable for regulatory enforcement
You will include appropriate disclaimers when using our data

23.3 Educational/Research Institutions

If using the Service for research:

You will credit Traffic Snitch in publications
You will share findings (if applicable and agreed)
You will comply with research ethics requirements

24. Accessibility

We are committed to making the Service accessible to users with disabilities in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 and WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines.

If you encounter accessibility barriers, please contact trafficsnitch.mailer@gmail.com.

25. Environmental and Ethical Considerations

Traffic Snitch is committed to:

✅ Energy-efficient infrastructure
✅ Minimal data retention to reduce storage footprint
✅ Privacy-first design principles
✅ Transparent and ethical data practices

26. Final Reminders

⚠️ Key Points to Remember:

NOT for enforcement - indicative data only
Beta service - may change or discontinue
No warranties - "as-is" provision
Limited liability - £100 maximum (excluding negligence)
User responsibility - compliance with surveillance laws
Privacy respected - see Privacy Policy
Data retention - 90 days for traffic detections
Your rights - see Privacy Policy for GDPR rights

By using Traffic Snitch, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.

Document Version: 1.0

Last Reviewed: 1 January 2025

Next Review: 1 July 2025

END OF TERMS OF SERVICE