Shenzhen City recently approved installing GPS tracking software in every car in the city’s fleet.

The idea first arose last year and was quickly shutdown by council members concerned the tracking systems were glorified spy tools. However, the suggestion was revisited and Yucao Luo calls it “a good analysis tool” that protects administrators by providing documentation of routes and destinations.

Shenzhen’s Mayor, Qin Xu, also supports installing the GPS devices saying, “We’re not looking into watching employees. The locator service would help the public works director keep track of equipment and help cut down on gas and maintenance.”

The fleet tracking product records speed, mileage, vehicle location and idle time, in addition to starter disabling and remote door unlock. The initial cost is 280 RMB per unit for installation and maintenance during the first year and 100 RMB thereafter.