Maidenhead & Windsor

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough looks set to sharpen its focus on security and crime investigation with a proposed upgrade of its CCTV system – and the potential installation of seven further cameras.

The matter will be discussed at the planning and environment overview and scrutiny panel meeting on Monday October 29. If Windsor and Maidenhead Cabinet gives its go-ahead on Thursday November 22 the existing analogue CCTV system, which records to VHS tapes, will be replaced by an up-to-the-minute digital system at a cost of £200,000.

There are also bids for possible new CCTV camera locations. Proposals have already been put forward for two at The Green, Wraysbury, and one each at Wessex Way (Cox Green), Maidenhead Riverside, Shifford Crescent (Furze Platt), Bray car park and Hythe End.

In addition, Windsor and Maidenhead council is investigating the viability of introducing its own own IP (internet protocol) network. This would replace the existing fibre optic network and would mean any future expansion of CCTV coverage would be cheaper and easier to implement.

Cllr Jesse Grey, lead member for community safety, said: "This would be a major step forward. While our analogue system has served us well since it was introduced in 1996, and with more than 1,000 arrests per year attributed to its use, it is reaching the end of its useful life.

"A digital system would offer a more efficient way of working – and could save us money in the long term through lower camera installation costs."

Digital CCTV, which has become the industry standard, is much easier to search for specific incidents, making it a useful tool for police investigations. Digital recordings are also widely accepted as evidence in court.

At present there are 170 cameras around the borough. The control room also monitors cameras on behalf of Bracknell Forest Borough Council and Sandhurst Town Council and hosts the Police Automatic Number Plate Recognition system.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead