Long-range cameras keeping an eye on Goole

Published on 5th April 2007 in News

The proposed 'talking' CCTV camera system that could come to Goole may not be effective in the town centre, the Town Council's clerk said this week.

Brian Robertson, clerk to Goole Town Council, said that there were already two talking CCTV cameras in Goole - one at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds (VPG) and one in the grounds of Kingsway Primary School - but added that similar cameras placed in the town centre would not be 'effective' enough.

There are already standard CCTV cameras, with no audio capability, across the town centre in areas such as Wesley Square and the subway near Goole train station.

It was reported in last week's Goole Times that a six-month talking CCTV pilot scheme was to be launched in Bridlington which, if successful, could be rolled out across other parts of the East Riding, including Goole.

"I don't think a talking CCTV system in the town centre would be particularly effective because of the long range on all of the cameras already installed," said Mr Robertson.

"Our cameras are deliberately spread so far apart because the power of each camera lens is so great, but I don't think a loudspeaker would work so well on these cameras, as people wouldn't know who it was addressing."

Mr Robertson added that since talking CCTV cameras were installed in the grounds of the VPG and Kingsway School, crime in both areas had been reduced significantly.