SOUTH WOODFORD: Traders fear CCTV will drive away custom

2:32pm Friday 9th May 2008

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TRADERS who battled to have CCTV installed in their area to help fight crime now want the plan scrapped after the council said it would use the cameras to target motorists.

Shopkeepers in George Lane, South Woodford, have campaigned for years to get the road linked up to the council's closed circuit system.

And they were granted their wish earlier this month when funding was allocated for 11 new cameras.

But celebrations were cut short when the council announced it would also use the security cameras to enforce parking restrictions, a move many traders believe is simply a revenue-raising exercise.

Their criticism comes after a senior Met policeman questioned the effectiveness of CCTV in helping to tackle street crime in London.

Kerk Davies, chairman of the South Woodford Business Partnership, said some shopkeepers fear the move could drive customers away from George Lane altogether.

He said: "Some of us are concerned that the council is planning to use these CCTV cameras for the wrong reasons.

"If they use them primarily to target drivers, this could scare them away from shopping here at all.

"If you ask me whether I would prefer to lose a few quid from thieves or dozens of regular customers who are scared away by parking fines, then I know which one I would choose.

"This is not the reason we requested the cameras in the first place, and if they are going to be introduced primarily for revenue raising, I would prefer for them not to be there at all."

These views were backed by Shailesh Katira, manager of Allen's Pharmacy, who said the cameras should not be used to target motorists.

He said: "Motorists are easier to target with cameras than criminals, but that is not a good enough reason to have them."

A council spokeswoman said: "The primary reason for the introduction of CCTV cameras across the borough is to give a feeling of security, enhance community safety and help to reduce crime."

But she added: "From July 2008 we will be using CCTV systems to enforce parking restrictions and to identify moving traffic offences, such as people driving in bus lanes and illegal turns."