Residents in Bexley are tired of seeing their neighborhood filled with trash, so they took matters into their own hands by raising funds for a CCTV camera to monitor a street known for fly-tipping. Labour councillors in the Belvedere ward have requested additional cameras to combat crime and littering in the area. Councillor Jeremy Fosten mentioned that the proximity of Parkside Road to Frank’s Park makes it a popular spot for families, but also a hotspot for illegal dumping which poses a danger, especially to children.
The initiative to install CCTV cameras came after reports showed a significant decrease in fly-tipping incidents on Wallhouse Road in Erith following the installation of a camera with automatic number plate recognition. However, despite requests from local councillors, the council claimed that there was insufficient funding to install CCTV in Belvedere. This led to concerns about increasing arson and vehicle theft in the area, prompting residents to take action to keep their town clean and safe.
Conservative Councillor Teresa O’Neill OBE suggested that local councils should work on enhancing the effectiveness of their ward panel to collaborate with police services. She also mentioned the availability of other recordings like Ring doorbell footage that could aid in crime investigations. The council leader emphasized the need to explore new technologies for surveillance in the community to address the evolving challenges of maintaining public safety.
A spokesperson from Bexley Council reiterated the council’s zero-tolerance policy towards fly-tipping and highlighted the enforcement measures taken against offenders. They mentioned that fines had been issued to numerous individuals for illegal waste dumping in Belvedere, with most offenders residing in the borough. The council’s environmental services team is actively addressing hazardous waste deposits to protect public health and safety.
While discussions are ongoing regarding additional measures to combat fly-tipping, including the possibility of CCTV installations, residents are encouraged to contribute to enforcement efforts by providing video evidence from privately-owned cameras. The council acknowledges the concerns raised by residents and is exploring various deterrents to address the issue effectively. Despite limitations on intervention due to land ownership and classification, the council remains committed to finding solutions to reduce fly-tipping and maintain a clean environment for the community.
