Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Why is there not a webcam at the border?

I have for some time (amongst several other things) wished there to be a webcam at the border and the runway so that one could have a look at the traffic situation before attempting to leave (god forbid to go shopping on the other side) Gibraltar. As we all know the traffic situation getting in and out of Gibraltar is everything but pleasant. And since there appear to be no apparent logic (why would there be?) behind the longs queues at the border at different times during the day, I started Googling for webcams in Gib. Here is the result:

Gibraltar - Street Views This webcam is looking in the direction of Safeway Gibraltar.
View of the Bay and Strait of GibraltarPanoramic view of the Bay and Strait of Gibraltar. Image updated every 3 seconds. Camera rotated periodically.
Casemates - Street CamTake control of this network camera PTZ around Gibraltar's vibrant entertainment centre Casemates, live around the clock.
Piazza camCam overlooking Piazza in Gibraltar

Now, I know there are a lot of weird people around the world who watch all sorts of crap on webcams, however most webcams serve at least some sort of purpose. Allowing you to check the weather at the beach, check the traffic, because(although the clearly exist) there is no point in having a webcame showing absolutely nothing of substance. I find these fine choices of Gibraltar webcams particularly funny, how can you not laugh at a webcam showing Safeways parking lot! Or the irony of the description of Casemates as Gibraltar's vibrant entertainment centre!!! Come on people.

Whilst going through the Google results on Gib webcams I came across the website of Gibraltar Local Disability Movement (please insert joke here) offering to host your webcame, this is the message on their website (I will not mention the spelling mistakes and interesting grammar, but will add a quote about the Gib Chronicle made by Gib's finest recruitment agent: "the best thing about the Gib Chronicle is spotting all the spelling and grammar mistakes on the front page, draw a line and see what picture it makes that day")

Do you like to have your webcam on the internet showing were you are living in Gibraltar?You can even if you have not got a website, we will help you all the way in setting it up and at no cost to you. All you need is a webcam and a internet connection.The Webcam if you have not got one can cost as little as £25 and you must have, its the only thing you must get and we will give you all that is needed to have your cam up and running in no time.This offer is only for people in GibraltarWe will give you.The Software and a webpage were you can tell your friends, family were they can see were you live. And the good thing it’s free!All we ask is that you must live in Gibraltar, have an ADSL connection, and keep your webcam running. We will host your webcam on our site.E-Mail us and let us know you like to have your own webcam Live on the internet by Clicking Here

So I did send them an email, hoping to open their eyes about webcames with a purpose. I doubt any one will ever come back to me but I cannot leave this place without sending at least one email to the Gib Gov (do they have computers or do they only except snail mail?) and of all the things I can think of to improve this place, a webcam of the border might be something the Gib Gov can get their head around. I have also sent an email to GibTelecom suggest that they add to their Piazza Cam a border cam...

I will keep you posted on any progress! Watch this space.....

1 comment:

Unknown said...

The webcam at the frontier was removed as the spanish government never wanted it there and as a result of 'improving' the border queues it was negotiated to remove said camera(s).

Safeway/Morrisson is nearly always empty because of the foot & mouth going on in uk afecting meat and dairy supplies. Though they nearly always seem to be out of bog roll and toothpicks and potato waffles - items that should not be affected by foot and mouth.

The airport closes at 11pm because the control tower closes at this time and this run by HM RAF not gibraltar.