New City Road Cameras

Edinburgh may soon use ground-breaking cameras that can detect criminals and stream car crashes.

05:56 03 June 2020

Edinburgh has confirmed plans to upgrade its CCTV network to include ground-breaking cameras designed to detect criminals and manage traffic levels. The new technology that is currently being explored by the Scottish capital is also aimed at making the city's streets safer as they are able to identify number plates and impose bus lane fines on motorists.

 

The new cameras, which may feature built-in microphones, will be equipped to live stream car accidents straight to emergency services. The cameras can then be used by doctors to provide instructions to bystanders as they wait for first aid teams to arrive. 

 

Lampposts on streets will also be equipped with street sensors designed to track pollution levels far more closely than the present system to build a more accurate picture of emissions around the city. 

 

Deputy council leader Cammy Day: "We are developing a smart city strategy and trying to get the best brains of the city together to have that discussion about what should the smart city look like.

 

"CCTV is part of that, but it is a substantial investment and is moving from analogue to digital the best thing when we can have remote cameras and a whole range of things?

 

"New cameras worth £650,00 will be installed as a temporary measure before new technology can be built."