CCTV on Torbay Council Waste and Recycling Fleet

Torbay Council uses live camera recording systems to enhance the safety of residents and crews.

14:13 10 November 2020

Torbay Council has invested in the latest live camera recording systems in their waste and recycling vehicles to enhance the safety of residents and crews. 

 

The council's 11 Romaquip Kerb-Sort recycling vehicles are now equipped with 6-camera live recording systems and another six refuse vehicles have been fitted with 4-camera recording systems. The council has also switched to SWISCO (South West Integrated Services Company Ltd) for its local waste, ground maintenance and street scene services. 

 

Councillor Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture for Torbay Council, said: “We have around 30 vehicles going out each day from our waste and recycling teams to service our community, and although our supervisors do their best to get out and monitor the teams’ performance they can’t be everywhere all at once. The cameras provide visibility of the teams from a health and safety perspective. They also help to mitigate false insurance claims as well as prove or disprove complaints made about the crews.

 

“Despite initial reservations from crews and managers that the cameras were ‘big brother’ keeping an eye on them, they are now very accepting of the technology, especially as footage has already been used to defend their position. Managers also report that it has been an excellent tool in helping to improve both safety compliance and performance.

 

Cllr Morey concluded: “A second batch of recycling vehicles are due to arrive at the end of this year and they will be fitted with the camera systems. We are also looking forward to trialling a reversing aid from ISS called Reaclear, which works with the driver and crews to ensure that vehicles are reversed properly.”