Neath Port Talbot’s new CCTV system goes live

The council says its modernised solution will give the local authority, South Wales Police, and other emergency organisations such as the local fire and ambulance services the ability to respond to issues such as anti-social behaviour quickly and efficiently.

The camera network has been fully replaced with a full high definition digital provision using transmission networks which the council says has significantly reduced operating costs.

Coverage of the CCTV, from a new high-tech control room, will now be 24 hours a day, 7 days a week the council has said – reversing previous austerity cuts.

The cameras, which are in place across Neath and Port Talbot town centres, on the Aberavon Seafront and in Briton Ferry, feature the very latest technology the council has said, providing the authority with a range of benefits including crime prevention, reducing security costs, deterring vandalism and providing clear, high definition footage for evidence in court.

With the new system, the council says it has also been able to expand its cover which now includes Neath’s Multi-Storey Car Park and is actively exploring other opportunities.  The CCTV control room has a new, purpose designed monitor wall, allowing improved monitoring capability for the CCTV Emergency Response controllers.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Alun Llewelyn, said: “Strengthening community safety arrangements and improving public spaces has always been a priority for our Rainbow Coalition.

“I am delighted that our modernised CCTV system, along with the return to 24/7, 365 days a year monitoring, will lead improvements in CCTV coverage, which will play a part in keeping people safe and help to prevent and detect crime and anti-social behaviour.

“An effective CCTV system is an important part of keeping people safe and while it can identify those who have carried out crimes, more importantly it will act as a deterrent, discouraging people from committing offences in the first place.”

(Lead image: Neath Port Talbot Council)