Slow Progress for Westminster CCTV Plan

Westminster Council has been criticised for being too slow in reinstalling previously removed CCTV cameras.

19:36 09 July 2018

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has expressed his disappointment over prolonged delays in the reinstallation of CCTV cameras in Westminster.

 

In 2016, a total of 61 fixed CCTV cameras in central London were removed to save £2.7million. Since then, the Westminster City Council has been working with the police to find an alternative solution, a process that Sadiq Khan said was “taking too long.”

 

"I'm really disappointed that the council took a decision in 2016 to decommission and remove CCTV cameras which we know are crucial for the safety of London", he said.

 

"We persuaded them to work with the police to find a way to resolve the issue - but two years on they're still dragging their feet.

 

"I'm saying for goodness sake - the safety of Londoners is more important that playing party politics - sort it out."

 

Meanwhile, Councillor Ian Adams of Westminster City Council said that he was surprised the mayor chose to raise the matter with the council “given it is a police project.”

 

"The council fully supports plans to install a new network across the city and has provided The Mayor's Office of Policing and Crime with £1.5m funding to help complete the scheme which will include 65 new cameras", he said.

 

"Of the 65 locations, we have been asked to assist with works at just 15 sites across the city. The majority of this work has already been completed."