Crooks beware as CCTV to get better with new £500k system in Walsall
More than 100 new and improved CCTV cameras are set to go live around Walsall as more than £500,000 is spent upgrading technology.
There are around 90 static cameras and 26 mobile ones in Walsall but council chiefs say are no longer fit for purpose.
Now £543,840 is being spent by Walsall Council on replacing them with cameras that will provide much sharper pictures of suspects.
The cameras are monitored around-the-clock seven days a week from a base in Walsall Wood by council workers.
But that responsibility will now be handed over to Transport for West Midlands.
Councillor Ian Shires, portfolio holder for community, lesiure and culture, said: “Our current camera system is a bit long in the tooth now but this is going to really improve the quality of our images and help us to identify and catch more people who commit crimes across our borough.”
Council bosses are to pay Transport for West Midlands £255,133 in 2017/18 and £288,707 in 2018/19 to take over the servicebuy, staff and maintain new mobile camera units.
Council chiefs say it will save the authority £32,480 in 2017/18 and £70,591 each year after that for seven years.
A report written by Paul Gordon, head of business change, reads: “The technical transfer from its current location should take place week commencing September 25, 2017.”
The council is also to look at upgrading other council-owned CCTV, specifically inside its buildings, in order to improve security.
