Issue - meetings

Report ES15061

Details were provided on the effect of the Deregulation Act 2015 for CCTV Parking Enforcement. Changes to operational practices were highlighted and recommended, and Members were also informed of staffing and financial implications linked to the changes.

As use of mobile CCTV vehicles is limited to school enforcement and bus stops under the Act, it would not be financially viable to continue the service and it was proposed to cease using the vehicles. It was also proposed to cease using the existing manned static CCTV system. Both the mobile and static units would be replaced by 15 automated cameras – the four CCTV vehicles being replaced with five automated cameras, to be rotated around school sites.

The Leader enquired whether the CCTV vehicles should be retained as a deterrent against offences even though no longer used for CCTV enforcement. It was thought they might be ineffective against fly-tipping but it was agreed to look at the suggestion further. Councillor William Huntington-Thresher (Chairman of the Environment PDS Committee) understood that funding for cameras around schools would be covered by TfL as they fulfil a safety related purpose. As such it might be possible to explore whether any additional TfL funding could be secured. Cllr Huntington-Thresher also referred to anything positive that might be achievable from the current position to assist with enforcement against fly-tipping, littering and dog fouling. The Deputy Leader highlighted that should any school want a permanent camera, the feasibility of this could be looked at as another option. To further investigate suggestions made and to consider a best way forward it was agreed to delegate the matters to the Deputy Leader and the Environment PDS Committee for further investigation.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  use of the manned static CCTV Parking and Bus Lane enforcement operation undertaken by five staff based at the Civic Centre be ceased;

(2)  ten automated CCTV cameras be installed to undertake bus lane enforcement;

(3)  use of the four Mobile Parking CCTV vehicles be ceased;

(4)  the mobile CCTV vehicles be replaced with five automated CCTV cameras (for enforcement at schools) and four dedicated Civil Enforcement Officers to undertake on-street enforcement through the current Parking contract; and

(5) a sum of £306k be released from the Central Contingency (set aside for Parking Enforcement) for the purchase and installation (through the Security and Safety Systems, Repairs, Maintenance, Supply and Installation Framework – 2015-2019 run by L B Waltham Forest*) of five automated cameras for enforcement at schools and ten automated cameras to undertake Bus Lane enforcement.

*Democratic Services Note:  the wording at Resolution (5) above corrects an error at Recommendation 2.6 of Report ES15061 which incorrectly indicates that the cameras would be purchased and installed through the ESPO Security and surveillance equipment and services Framework.