£600K CCTV system a ‘smart’ move for council?
BRIDGEND council is to consider spending £600,000 on a CCTV system that could lead to better crime prevention, a free wi-fi network and car park monitoring.
The proposed new system, aimed at streamlining public services, would feature internet protocol (IP) cameras; digital video cameras which transmit and receive data over the internet or a network provider.
If approved, the system could pave the way in the council becoming a “smart borough”, providing “a constant stream of information” to residents and businesses, according to a report by Gill Lewis, the council’s interim chief officer for finance, performance and change.
The new CCTV infrastructure has the potential to deliver various services, including free wi-fi, parking sensors, support for mobile network providers and tracking carbon emissions. The CCTV system which currently exists across the county borough has been operating for the past 20 years.
Ms Lewis’ report states “the equipment is at the end of its working” with compatibility issues getting “more frequent”. Replacement parts for the cameras are also no longer being made.
The council’s cabinet was due to discuss whether to invest £595,000 in a new CCTV system for the county borough during a meeting on Tuesday, May 18 as the Gazette went to press. It currently costs around £499,101 per year to run the 24/7 CCTV service. The expected cost of running the new proposed scheme is £20,000 less than usual.
CCTV is used by the council and local police force to tackle issues including antisocial behaviour and crime. It also impacts the way in which people perceive the safety of the area.
Figures from June 2017 and May 2019 show the council’s CCTV service successfully aided the investigation of 1,748 incidents in Bridgend county borough.
Ms Lewis’ report states the IP cameras would produce better-quality live and recorded images.
The report also states the police and crime commissioner does not currently contribute funds towards the local CCTV service but “he may be willing to make an ongoing contribution” and “these discussions are currently ongoing alongside discussions with Welsh Government and Central Government”.