Calls for CCTV along Alban Way from locals has once again lost traction as it would potentially breach a national code of practice.
This was because the number of crimes reported was relatively low and didn’t substantiate to “a pressing need”.
A petition online has over 1,700 signatures for CCTV cameras to be introduced along the route.
Kim Broadley, created the petition and wrote: “We need CCTV cameras along Alban Way, St Albans!! There have been numerous incidents were people have been experiencing violence, threats, theft and more whilst walking or cycling down.
“If there was CCTV, the community would feel safer and these offenders will not continue to get away with these crimes!”
The petition was sparked by reports of occasional antisocial behaviour on the route, including assaults and burglaries of houses that led onto the cycling route.
Councillors on the Council’s Community Safety Working Group were tasked with considering the suggestion.
At the meeting on January 10, the group were told that temporary CCTV cameras were previously installed at a known trouble spot – near Hill End Lane.
However, officers calculated that placing permanent CCTV cameras along this route would cost £505,000 and installation of lighting along the entire pathway would cost an extra £500,000.
The Group recommended that Councillor Salih Gaygusuz, the Portfolio Holder for Business and the Community, should investigate further measures to improve user safety.
Cllr Gaygusuz has been asked to submit a report about his findings to the Thursday, March 7 meeting of the Community, Environment and Sport Scrutiny Committee.
Councillor Anthony Rowlands, the Chair of both the Working Group and the Scrutiny Committee, said: “There may not be a strong enough case for installing CCTV, but clearly we should investigate other effective measures.
“Working with the local community to ensure pedestrians, cyclists, joggers and dog walkers can make use of the Alban Way without fear of being attacked or abused.”
Picture courtesy of Wikipedia
0 Comments