London Council Begins CCTV Monitoring Of Dodgy Manoeuvres

We have all seen the little black boxes high up on street lamps and the corners of buildings. CCTV cameras are in our lives monitoring our movements. The government tells us that they are there for our benefit to help prevent crime and give evidence when crime has been committed. However, it seems that one council is now using the camera system to catch errant road users.

Over 2,000 London motorists have been warned about making illegal manoeuvres during a trial in Westminster. CCTV operators have been recording the registration numbers of all vehicles which block box junctions, make illegal turns or stop in bus lanes. All motorists caught on camera have received £100 fines if they break the rules of the road.

"There are few things more annoying for drivers than the problems caused when someone decides to block a junction, stop in a bus lane or carry out an illegal turn," the council parking director.

"This kind of behaviour causes delays and often accidents.

"Drivers in central London need to know that from January 3rd if we see them breaking the rules we will fine them."

The City of Westminster has one of the most advanced CCTV schemes currently in operation in the country. The control room is equipped with state of the art digital recording and editing facilities servicing a network of cameras all over the area. Images can be enhanced on site without having to source the expertise of police or other crime investigators.

Some things the network of cameras will be used for in addition to offenses related to driving:

•    Deter anti social behaviour.
•    Disrupt and prevent street crime.
•    Look for illegal waste dumping.
•    Observe unlicensed activity in entertainment premises.
•    Observe fraudulent behaviour.
•    Gather evidence for court proceedings.
•    Identify persons wanted by the police.
•    Crowd control.
•    Emergency planning.

Motor insurance firms are believed to have backed the approach.

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