We’ve got so much to write about at the moment that we’re running late on publishing stuff – maybe we need an extra editor!. But this story deserves to come on straight away:
From Hawkwell Councillor John Mason’s website:
Unauthorised CCTV Camera at Nursery Corner
January 29, 2009
At 6.00 am on Tuesday, 27 January a red CCTV Camera was erected on a street lamp post overlooking the Nursery Corner roundabout in Hawkwell.
At 3.30 this was referred to District Councillor John Mason who contacted Essex County Council and was advised that this was not authorised. Essex Police were then informed.
The camera was removed somewhere between 19.00 and 21.00 but not before it had filmed pedestrians and all vehicles using the B1013.
There are laws about the unauthorised use of CCTV so if you object to being filmed please complain to the Information Commissioner.
Justb a guess – but is this illicit recording of traffic movements by developers interested in the area and traffic movements on B1013/Rectory Lane?
Was there any reason why this camera put there, unauthorised, in the first place. If not , why not!
I’ve been told it was put up by an unnamed developer, so ask them Mike!
We have asked RDC if they will accept Planning Submissions based on data alledgely gathered illegally. Response awaited.
Meanwhile keep your eyes open in your own area!!
A CCTV has been sited in public without authorisation of Essex County Council and at the present time we do not know whether this user is registered under the DPA or has an SIA Licence.
We do not even know who the company or person was. Essex Police investigated and did not even obtain the information.
Essex Police handed this over to Essex County Council who confirmed to me that it had not been authorised. It did not have planning permission.
Essex County Council knows that it was a land developer but ECC has not told us, despite requests, as to who it was so that I and other residents can enquire about images of us on the recording under our rights under the DPA.
This is a fundamental breach of our Human Rights.
What is the policy of ECC on use of CCTV on Highways and what is its record like under Human Rights?
I have to say, I don’t like CCTV at all, I think it’s policing on the cheap, and does not provide the kind of deterrent that you would get from a proper police presence. I also don’t like snooping aspect of CCTV.
However, worse still is the ANPR camera network that has been spreading unchecked across our road network, and now covering all access roads to many towns in the region. Are we due to get them in Rayleigh too?
I know the Metropolitan Police have admitted to storing ALL vehicle movements for a period of up to 2 years, are Essex police recording our movements as well?
Hmmmm, more “New” Labour style Big Brothering!! World’s gone mad!!!