HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PANEL - 17 JULY 2024

PORTFOLIO: COMMUNITY, SAFETY & WELLBEING

CCTV - PROPOSED EXPANSION ACROSS THE DISTRICT

1. RECOMMENDATIONS

1.1 To note the recommendations to Cabinet as outlined under 1.2 & 1.3 of the report. 

1.2 Proposed recommendations for the expansion of the public space CCTV camera network, adding 21 cameras across the district referred to as ‘phase one’.

1.3 Following completion of phase one, the remaining 29 analogue cameras on the public space network are upgraded to digital capability enabling the analogue transmission to end, creating opportunities to reduce the annual network costs associated with transmission of footage.

2. INTRODUCTION

2.1 New Forest District Council operates a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system from Appletree Court.  The system known as the public space camera network, comprises of 56 public space cameras installed at strategic locations across the district, as detailed in Appendix A.  These cameras utilise local electric supplies and are hard-wired to the fibre network. They record 24/7 and are monitored by a trained team of operators.  These operators have the ability to transmit ongoing live incidents to the police control room for the assessment of risk and deployment of Policing resource were deemed necessary.

2.2 The CCTV system evolved from the formation of a partnership between the New Forest District Council, Hampshire Constabulary and members of the New Forest Community Safety Partnership (CSP). Whilst the provision of the CCTV system is a discretionary function, it supports the delivery of the CSP objectives and priorities which for 2024 consists of, shoplifting & burglary, serious violence including weapons possession and violence against women and girls (VAWG).

2.3 Through active intelligence sharing within forums including the Tactical Planning Meeting (TPM) and the recent introduction of the Partnership Action Group (Town and Parish Councils, Voluntary Sector etc.), this provides a collective and partnership approach to the reduction of crime and disorder in the New Forest.

2.4 In the 12 months to December 2023 the CCTV system has been directly involved in over 750 recorded offences, with a further 300 since January of this year. In addition to the prevention and detection of crime, the cameras provide reassurance to residents, businesses and visitors.

2.5 The objectives of the CCTV system are:

· Protecting areas and premises used by Council employees and the public.

· Preventing and detecting crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour

· Assisting in the identification of offenders leading to their arrest and successful prosecution or other appropriate action

· Community reassurance and reducing the fear of crime.

· Reducing violent or aggressive behaviour towards employees

· Public safety; and

· Protecting Council property and assets

3. BACKGROUND

3.1 The public space camera network system commenced in 2002, with additional cameras added to the network over time.  Throughout the following 20 years, environmental factors have changed, including the development of commercial and residential properties and changes in the types of crime experienced in the district.

3.2 With developments in digital capability, the CCTV control room was relocated to an alternative location within Appletree Court in 2018.  Works included the upgrading of viewing monitors for the transmission of high-definition footage, whilst improving the working environment for control room operatives.

3.3 The control room is multi-functional and delivers the council’s out of hours functions, lone worker arrangements and the monitoring of Appletree Careline customers.

4. INVESTMENT & OBJECTIVES

4.1 The Corporate Plan 2024-28 outlines the council’s commitment to tackle the perception of crime within our towns and parishes through the expansion of the CCTV network, to include rural areas.  To enable and enhance the coverage of the camera network, £300,000 was allocated to fund the project in 23/24 budget.

4.2 In addition to the capital outlay, a grant of £75K was awarded from the Home Office through the Safer Streets fund.  Following a national reduction of the overall Safer Streets grant, the allocation was subsequently reduced to £54k.  £34k is forecast to be drawn down for the financial year 2024/25, with match funding required from NFDC. The grant award, based on specific eligibility criteria, is restricted for the installation of CCTV within rural communities identified as Bransgore, Fawley and Fordingbridge. Whilst no formal notification has yet been received, it is anticipated there may be some further reductions in the remainder of the remaining £20k grant, allocated for year two. 

5. CCTV STEERING GROUP

5.1 As Portfolio Holder Cllr Dan Poole formed a Steering Group (Cllr Derek Tipp & Cllr Jeremy Heron) to oversee the council’s investment and decision making, to ensure the objectives of the project are achieved in a fair and transparent approach, supported by officers of the council, Brian Byrne (Service Manager Community Safety and CCTV) & Richard Knott (Strategic Director Housing & Communities).     

5.2 To assist the group in assessing the suitability of identified locations, a decision-making framework, alongside the CCTV objectives (para. 2.3) was developed to ensure allocations are supported and informed by localised crime data.   

5.3 The proposed locations of the new CCTV equipment are also subject to alignment with the council’s CCTV policy to ensure:

· Cameras only monitor spaces intended to be covered.

· Cameras will be sited to ensure they comply with the legitimate aims set out in relevant legislation and statutory Code of Practice

· Adjustable cameras will be operated to prevent unintended areas being monitored; and

· Some areas have heightened expectations of privacy, such as public toilets or communal areas within housing stock, and cameras must not contravene privacy and the right to respect for private life.

6. CONSULTATION WITH TOWN & PARISH COUNCILS & HAMPSHIRE POLICE

6.1 Following an initial review of crime data which identified gaps in CCTV coverage a priority list of Town & Parish Councils (Chairman and Clerks) were contacted to discuss the proposed expansion of the CCTV system, including the required financial contribution of £732 per camera per year. 

6.2 These Town & Parish Councils reviewed the proposals within their respective amenities’ meetings. Some extended their consultation to include policing partners and communities using their public facing websites, helping shape local needs.

6.3 Following consultation, expressions of interest to proceed were received back from the councils representing Bransgore, Brockenhurst, Fawley, Fordingbridge, Lyndhurst, New Milton, Ringwood and Totton.  Hythe and Dibden Parish Council did not take up the invitation. Their respective responses outlined preferred camera locations in order of priority.

7. SITE SURVEYS & ASSESSMENTS

7.1 Chroma Vision as the council’s primary contractor for CCTV maintenance and installation have undertaken initial feasibility studies on these proposed locations.  Due to the wide range of varying factors that contribute to each camera installation, more detailed assessments will be required at each location to ensure the most cost-effective method, and optimal coverage are achieved.

7.2 Public consultation is required for each camera location helping to identify areas of collateral intrusion.  Where identified and necessary, digital privacy screens are added to the camera viewing area, covering the inadvertent view into homes and businesses to maintain privacy.  Depending on the proposed camera location, additional consultation may be required with the council’s planning department, conservation officers and responsible parties for street lighting columns.

7.3 In accordance with the requirements of the surveillance camera commissioner and Information Commissioner’s Office, each camera location requires the completion of a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA).  Completion of the DPIA will ensure the use of surveillance camera in the proposed location is appropriate and proportionate. 

8. 4G TRIAL & CAMERA METHODOLOGY

8.1 With the advances made in digital technology, trials were undertaken using 4G (mobile network) transmission from a camera within Fordingbridge.  The findings of this demonstrate secure high-quality footage with no service interruption or loss in transmission is achievable.

8.2 4G installations negate the need for additional infrastructure associated with traditional hard-wired transmission, reducing up front and ongoing costs. 4G provides the council with additional flexibility and the increased benefit of being able to relocate cameras with greater ease should they no longer be required.  

8.3 A recent assessment of the primary storage node (PSN) which stores the data for the existing 56 Public space cameras was operating between 60 to 80% of its capacity. To ensure there is no loss or corruption of data, additional storage space of 200 terra bytes (TB) is required. 

9. STEERING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS

9.1 Following a full review of camera requests, crime data and installation methods, steering group members met on 15th May 2024 to agree and finalise their proposed list of locations for investment of 21 cameras in phase 1 as detailed in table 1.

9.2 Tackling the project in 2 phases allows for the true costs and learning of phase 1 to be established. It is also a recognition of the significant work involved to consult with local communities, residents and businesses, plus the completion of various impact assessments required and negotiation with utility providers and various council departments. The likely timeframe for completion of phase 1 is end of March 2025, but this will be kept under review.

Table 1
Area	Location for camera installation	Number of cameras
Bransgore	· Ringwood Road & Betsy Lane	1
Brockenhurst	· Lymington Road near to train station · Brookley Rd/Rhinefield Rd · Brookley Road/Opposite Fibbard Rd	3
Fawley	· Gang Warily Recreation Ground · Crossroads Hampton Lane / Blackfield Road · Fawley Village Centre · Long Lane, Holbury · St Georges Hall/Calshot	5
Fordingbridge	· Roundhill car park x2 · High Street / Shaftsbury Street · Bridge Street	4
Lyndhurst	· High Street, Gosport Lane & Southampton Road · High Street / Romsey Road junction	2
New Milton	· Station Rd (by train bridge) · Ashley Recreation Ground x2 · New Milton Recreation Ground*	3 (*+1)
Ringwood	· Christchurch Road roundabout/Wellworthy way	1
Totton	· Nutshalling Close, Calmore · Salisbury Road, opposite Testwood Recreation Ground	2

*Funded by New Milton Town Council

10. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

10.1 The costs associated with each camera, including labour, sundries and transmission costs for a 2-year project are detailed in table 2 overleaf.

Table 2 - Labour, sundries and transmission costs for a 2-year project
Description	Unit cost (per camera)	Costs attributed to 21 camera heads
Unit price per 4G camera including data transmission x 24 months and mounting ancillaries	£6,088.80	£127,864.80
Delivery, labour and sundries	£380.00	£7,980.00
Subtotal	£6,468.80	£135,844.80
Safer Streets Grant (Bransgore, Fawley, Fordingbridge)		-£33,448.00
TOTAL PROJECTED COSTS		£102,396.80

10.2 In addition to the costings outlined above in table 2 for the acquisition of the camera head and transmission costs, installation costs will vary by location.  There are 3 installation options available for the mounting of a camera head.  Based on the initial findings of the feasibility studies, the installation method and costs attributed are detailed in table 3 below. 

Table 3 - Installation method and costs
Method of installation	Cost (per installation)	Cost of 21 installations
On an existing lighting column	£200	£2,000 (10 cameras)
Securing and powering from a building	£250	£1,500 (6 cameras)
Full installation of pole and power supply(excludes groundworks)	£2284	£11,420 (5 cameras)
TOTAL PROJECTED COSTS		£14,920*
*Installation method is subject to the completion of a detailed inspection.

10.3 Table 4 below provides an overview of the one-off costs associated with the installation of 21 cameras, storage upgrades and control room modifications with additional viewing monitors. 

Table 4
Overall Projected costs	Cost
21 digital cameras with 2 years transmission	£102,396.80
Installation costs	£14,920
Primary storage node (PSN)	£16,786
Installation of HD monitors & system configuration	£11,405
TOTAL	£145,507.80

10.4 Where the installation of a new pole and power supply is required, additional groundworks for ducting to the nearest power supply is required.  Costs associated are between £95-£201 per metre.  Further onsite assessments are required to establish the most cost-effective installation method.    

10.5 The current maintenance and repair contract covers 56 public space cameras.  With 21 additional cameras added to the network, this will incur an uplift of £3,465 per annum from year two. 

10.6 4G transmission for the first two years are included within the installation costs.  From year three the transmission costs for 21 cameras will be an additional £23,788.80 per annum.  Based on the current costs attributed to fibre network feed, this is a cost saving comparison of £300 per camera per annum.   

10.7 Currently the total cost to provide maintenance, repair and transmission for 56 cameras is £117,500 per annum. Town and Parish Councils supporting the implementation of CCTV were required to contribute to the transmissions costs only at a rate of £732 per camera per annum, with a total annual revenue of £37,310.  With the inception of this new project, it was agreed by Members and Executive Officers to maintain this rate for the new provision of the proposed 21 cameras, which would increase annual contributions to £53.4k per annum.   

10.8 The transmissions costs for the additional 21 cameras have been covered for years 1 and 2 as part of the capital procurement. At this stage the forecast annual revenue contributions received for the 21 additional cameras are unlikely to cover all annual running costs for transmission from year 3, commencing April 2026/27, when there is currently a projected annual shortfall of £8-9K for ongoing transmission costs.

10.9 As part of the consultation process for the additional camera project, correspondence was sent to Town and Parish Councils outlining their current annual contribution made per camera, and the commitment to maintain the same rate for any additional camera agreed. Town and Parish Councils have also been advised that the current annual contribution per camera is subject to review and adjustment.

10.10 The rate of annual shortfall of each new camera is currently £429 per camera.

11. CRIME & DISORDER IMPLICATIONS

11.1 The presence of monitored public space cameras increase public confidence, enhance feelings of safety whilst helping to deter and reduce incidents of crime and disorder. Recorded footage of evidential value is shared with Police to aid in detection and prosecution of offenders.  In accordance with the Surveillance Camera Commissioner and Information Commissioner’s Office, Data Protection Impact Assessments are undertaken at all locations prior to installation to assess risks and provide a record of decision making.  

12. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

12.1 Each camera location is subject to a site survey to identify and minimise impact of camera installation with preferred installation on existing infrastructure or buildings were appropriate. 4G Cameras are designed and manufactured within the UK and require no additional network cabling minimising groundworks with repair supplies held within the UK.  

13. EQUALITY & DIVERSITY IMPLICATIONS

13.1 CCTV cameras are located within public areas where there is a higher acceptance and expectation of CCTV monitoring for the reduction of Crime & Disorder.  Control room operatives are trained to ensure camera usage and intrusive surveillance is within required operational protocols for the obtaining of evidence and preventing crime.  All camera locations are subject to a completed Data Protection Impact Assessment prior to installation with signage advising of their presence.

14. DATA PROTECTION IMPLICATIONS

14.1 All camera locations are subject to a completed Data Protection Impact Assessment prior to installation with signage advising the public of their presence.  Recorded data is stored on a secure server with a defined retention and destruction schedule.    

For further information contact: Brian Byrne Service Manager, Community Safety & Support 023 8028 5089 brian.byrne@nfdc.gov.uk Richard Knott Strategic Director, Housing & Communities 023 8028 5242 richard.knott@nfdc.gov.uk

Background Papers: Appendix A – List of current CCTV network across the district.

APPENDIX A

Lymington

CAMERA NUMBER	CAMERA LOCATION / ADDRESS	SCREEN NAME
L1	Junction of Stanford Road, Southampton Road and Queen Street, on traffic island	Queen Street
L2	Junction of Stanford Road, Priestlands Place and Highfield, on traffic island	Stanford Hill
L3	Junction of St.Thomas Street, Queen Street and Belmore Lane on traffic island	Priestlands Place
L4	Outside 40 St. Thomas Street.	St Thomas Street
L5	Junction of St. Thomas Street and Church Lane, outside St. Thomas Church	Church Lane
L6	Outside 73 High Street	High Street
L7	Junction of High Street and New Street, outside 91 High Street.	New Street
L8	Outside 100 High Street (opposite bus station)	Bus Station
L9	Outside 18 High Street	Stanwell Hill
L10	Outside 7 Quay Street / Solent House, Quay Hill	Quay Hill
L11	Town Quay	Town Quay
L12	Grove Gardens	Grove Gardens
L13	Angel Court / Cannon Street car park	Cannon St Car Park
L14	Roundabout Gosport Street and Bridge Road	Gosport Street
L15	St Thomas Street car park	St Thomas Street Car Park
L16	Pennington Square	Pennington Square
L17	Milford Road junction with South Street and Fox Pond Lane	Fox Pond Lane

Ringwood

CAMERA NUMBER	CAMERA LOCATION / ADDRESS	SCREEN NAME
R1	Stallards Lane/The Furlong on traffic island between the two long stay car parks	Stallards Lane Car Park
R2	Junction of Christchurch Road, Southampton Road and High Street	Friday's Cross
R3	Junction of Mansfield Road and Southampton Road	Southampton Road
R4	Junction of Mansfield Road and Meeting House Lane	Mansfield Road
R5	Junction of Meeting House Lane and Pedlar's Walk, outside Meeting House	Meeting House
R6	Outside 15 The Furlong (Shopping Centre)	Furlong Centre
R7	Above 3 Market Place	Market Place
R8	Above 27 High Street, junction with Kings Arm's Lane	High Street
R9	B3347 Roundabout, north side of junction of The Furlong and Mansfield Road	Town Roundabout
R10	Roundabout of Stallards Lane and The Furlong	The Furlong
R11	Furlong Car Park entrance and exit point	Furlong Car Park
R12	Carvers Recreation ground	Carvers Rec

Totton

CAMERA NUMBER	CAMERA LOCATION / ADDRESS	CAMERA NAME
T1	Junction of Rumbridge Street and Winsor Road, outside 39 Rumbridge Street	Rumbridge Street
T2	Junction of High Street and Junction Road, outside DSS Offices	Batts Corner
T3	Winsor Road car park	Winsor Road Car Park
T4	Outside 62-69 Commercial Road, Totton Retail Park, adjacent to Bus Stop	Retail Park
T5	Junction of Commercial Road and Testwood Lane adjacent to Bus Stop	Commercial Road
T6	Outside 20 Commercial Road, opposite Totton Precinct	Opp-Precinct
T7	On roundabout at junction of Commercial Road, Salisbury Road and Ringwood Road	Centre Roundabout
T8	Market Car Park, Salisbury Road, adjacent to War Memorial	Market Car Park
T9	Rumbridge Street Car Park, junction of Rumbridge Street and A35	Rumbridge Car Park
T10	Junction of Water Lane and Salisbury Road on traffic island	Water Lane
T11	Westfield Road Car Park, rear of Salisbury Road Arcade	Westfield Road Car Park
T12	Library Road, opposite pedestrian entrance to Totton Precinct	Library Road

Lyndhurst

CAMERA NUMBER	CAMERA LOCATION / ADDRESS	SCREEN NAME
LY1	Lyndhurst Car Park	Lyndhurst Car Park

New Milton

CAMERA NUMBER	CAMERA LOCATION / ADDRESS	SCREEN NAME
N1	Recreation Ground, Whitefield Road	The Rec.
N2	Junction A3058 Station Road, and Old Milton Road	Station Road
N3	Junction A3058 Station Road and Osborne Road	Osborne Road
N4	Junction of Ashley Common Road, Ashley Road, Lower Ashley Road and Ashley Lane.	Ashley Cross Road
N5	Junction B3058 Station Road, and Elm Avenue.	Elm Avenue
N6	Junction of Old Milton Road, Gore Road, and Whitefield Road	Gore Road
N7	Junction of A337 Lymington Road, and Old Milton Road on traffic island	Old Milton Green

Hythe, Dibden Purlieu and Netley View

CAMERA NUMBER	CAMERA LOCATION / ADDRESS	SCREEN NAME
H1	Junction of Prospect Place and High Street, near Hythe Ferry Terminal	Prospect Place
H2	Junction of The Marsh and St. John's Street, outside 21 The Marsh.	The Marsh
H3	The Promenade, opposite Admiral's Way	Promenade
H4	Pylewell Road precinct, outside Hythe Library	Pylewell Road
H5	Junction of Beaulieu Road and North Road.	Beaulieu Road
H6	Junction of Beaulieu Road and Fairview Drive, on grassed area of Fairview Parade.	Fairview Parade
H7	Skateboard Park, between Elm Crescent, Netley View and A326	Skate Park Netley View