The term “smart city” conjures images of futuristic utopias where technology seamlessly enhances our daily lives. Traffic flows like a symphony, garbage trucks only show up when needed, and potholes fill themselves while apologizing for the inconvenience. But peel back the glossy veneer, and you’ll find that these so-called smart initiatives are often just a new way to nickel-and-dime residents. Let’s take a tour through the cityscape of this digital pickpocketing.A costly clean air measureFirst stop, the U.K., where the government’s Ultra Low Emission Zones have become the bane of anyone driving a car older than yesterday’s news. London’s ULEZ charges drivers of older vehicles a hefty £12.50 (~ $16) daily fee for the privilege of entering certain areas. The idea

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