main content Head cams used to improve parking enforcement

To ensure that parking enforcement is as transparent as possible, body worn video devices are now being used by Civil Enforcement Officers across the Borough. The video cameras will be able to record the issuing of penalty charge notices to vehicles and provide additional evidence relating to the parking contravention.

“We all understand that parking enforcement can be a contentious subject at times, and we simply want to make the process as open, transparent and as fair as possible. It is frustrating to everybody that on occasions where motorists might wish to complain or where wildly different versions of the same event are reported to the appeals team, that there is often little evidence we can draw upon and this technology will help to plug that gap. It will also offer protection to Vinci Park's staff when a motorist might be inclined to be abusive or even violent” said Councillor Colin Smith, Executive Councillor for Environment.

The devices consist of a recorder, camera, switch and cabling, with the device itself being attached to a headband thereby capturing footage the officer sees. The technology is being used in accordance with Home Office guidelines, following data protection principles.

The video footage is timed and dated and provides a secure audit trail which can be used if a motorist appeals against a charge notice. The recorded data is being stored in a safe and secure environment to protect the integrity of the data, with data being stored whilst it is relevant to an outstanding incident or appeal.

The cameras are durable and waterproof and can be used in all weather conditions and in ‘low light’ levels. The use of video recording of parking contraventions will not supersede other types of evidence such as written notes. An absence of video recording of a contravention will not result in the penalty charge notice being invalid or incorrect.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Bromley’s Civil Enforcement Officers will be wearing a notification badge, advising members of the public that they maybe recorded on video. If necessary and where a appropriate, motorists and members of the public will be told are being recorded. If a motorist wishes to view the footage, arrangements can be made for this but because of data protection principles, the footage would only be available to members of the public who were recorded.

• Further information about parking in Bromley is available online at our parking web page (www.bromley.gov.uk/parking).
• Since the local elections in 2002, the council has been led by a Conservative administration. Full council is made up of 60 elected councillors – 49 Conservative, 7 Liberal Democrat and 4 Labour – representing 22 wards across the borough.

For media enquiries,  please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor, on 020 8461 7670 or email Andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk 

For party political comment please contact:
Conservative - michael.tickner@zip-mail.co.uk 
Labour – john.getgood@bromley.gov.uk 
Liberal Democrat – david.mcbride@bromley.gov.uk