CCTV camera enforcement

Why use camera enforcement? 

We use closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras to enforce parking, moving traffic and bus lane restrictions in areas where it is difficult or unsafe for a Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) to be able to enforce. In addition to static cameras we also use mobile CCTV vehicles. CCTV enforcement operates alongside the on-street CEO patrols.

The CCTV camera network is shared with the council's public safety team who monitor the borough for instances of crime and public disorder and work closely with the police to deliver a safer Camden for everyone.

Contraventions that are enforced by way of CCTV are governed by the London Local Authorities Acts 1990 to 2008, Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and Traffic Management Act 2004. All CCTV cameras used in Camden are approved for use by the Department for Transport.

Motorists who are observed contravening the restrictions will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) through the post instead of finding it on their vehicle.

Moving traffic contraventions

Moving traffic contraventions include entering a road where there is a 'No entry' sign, driving in through pedestrian zones, and making right, left or U turns when advised not to do so. We also enforce box junctions identified by the yellow hatching on the carriageway. Motorists should ensure that they do not enter one unless you are turning right, or your exit is clear.

Bus lane contraventions

The enforcement of bus lanes delivers many benefits including the following:

• reduction in traffic congestion
• reduction in emissions and pollution
• improve journey times for bus users

Parking contraventions

There are some locations across the borough where enforcement of parking contraventions by way of CCTV camera achieves greater compliance. Examples include waiting and loading restrictions where vehicles parked in contravention cause obstructions to the free flow of traffic and increase risk of congestion.

Mobile CCTV vehicles

Mobile CCTV vehicles are used in locations across the borough where there are no other CCTV cameras. They are used to monitor both moving traffic and parking contraventions at locations such as junctions where banned turns are prohibited and outside schools.

The mobile units complement the provision of CCTV camera enforcement across the borough and are a versatile tool to deploy to areas of concern to achieve greater compliance and road safety. Camden currently uses Toyota IQ vehicles which have very low CO2 emissions and is congestion charge exempt due to its green credentials.

How does CCTV enforcement take place?

CCTV operators who are trained and experienced observe locations via the CCTV network and will record clips of potential contraventions. These are passed to another CCTV CEO who will review the clip to ensure that a contravention has been correctly identified. Following this a PCN will be sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle by post.

A digital recording of the contravention can be viewed on the Camden council website along with photographic evidence

What are the benefits?

CCTV Camera enforcement is used to assist in improving traffic conditions in the borough by reducing congestion and obstructive parking that improves journey times for buses, taxis, and private motorists alike. In doing so this contributes to reduction in emissions leading to a healthier environment for us all.

What about red routes?

Waiting and loading restrictions on red routes are indicated by red road markings and sign plates with red borders.

Red routes in the borough are not enforced by Camden, but rather Transport for London

Red routes are major strategic roads carrying high volumes of public transport and are vital links to London's transportation network. In order to provide a regulated and efficient transport service, waiting and loading restrictions have been applied to Red routes by Tfl, who also enforce these restrictions.

Where are CCTV cameras located?

• search for your nearest CCTV camera

Longitude and latitude of Camden's CCTV cameras:

• download CCTV Cameras longitude and latitude (PDF 37.9KB)

Please be aware this document is not complete and updates will be added regularly.

CCTV Code of practice

• download: CCTV code of practice (PDF 334KB)

This document explains the code of practice that applies to the use of the CCTV systems for the purposes of enforcing parking, moving traffic and bus lane regulations.

Page last updated Feb 14, 2013 10:00 AM