CCTV software to monitor waste dump traffic can’t be upgraded

The move was backed by a majority of Councillors during a two-hour special meeting during which it emerged the current CCTV number plate recognition system can’t be upgraded.

Councillors clashed over the way forward however in a discussion on various issues including policy around people from outside the Council area using the site and signage. At previous meetings it had been suggested that Council could erect signs stating that the amenity sites were for residents only, but Councillors were advised that while such a shift in policy and departmental advice was looked at, it would necessitate checks and an additional resource burden, and that the immediate priority in the midst of the COVID crisis had been reopening the sites safely. Council’s Head of Environment & Regeneration Karen Phillips said that current Council policy was to allow unrestricted access for all users at the sites.

DUP Alderman Ryan McCready said the reason he had raised the matter of people from outside the jurisdiction using the Council sites was because many people, including non-unionist voters had raised concerns about it with him.

Councillors were told that the CCTV software system used since 2013 cannot be upgraded, and number plate recognition can no longer be considered reliable. Various ‘fixes’ were attempted but have not resolved the issues, and the total cost to replace this system at all eleven sites is £27,500.

Ald. McCready said: “Why should we invest £30,000 in camera systems? What are we looking to achieve? Because when I look at the statistics, what did we achieve with the original investment? Ultimately this needs to be tied into a policy- a policy we don’t currently have in this council - a precedent being set, that we are looking to observe and identify how many vehicles, commercial or from outside of this jurisdiction, are using our facilities.”

Sinn Féin Colr. Christopher Jackson said: “Alderman McCready has asked the main question I had - why? How effective was the system in the past and what’s the need for it in the future? It’s £30,000 in the current climate. I would like to know why would we be investing that sort of money without clear purpose.”

SDLP Colr. John Boyle added: “It’s really about identifying why it is we have a system and for what purpose we used that system, and in fact when we look for the evidence of what that system gave us we find that it gave us nothing for the very simple reason the system became outdated.”

Colr. Boyle proposed a new working group be set up to “look at areas were we might be able to improve services for the rate payer, save money if indeed we can save money”. “We can thrash all this out through a number of meetings and bring back recommendations to various Councillors who are not here present. I think that would be a useful way of progressing. Make it focused, make it time bound and get it done.”

Colr. Jackson however said Sinn Féin wouldn’t be supporting the proposal as it would remove transparency, adding that it was time this issue was put to bed. Colr. Boyle retorted that he was “stunned that Sinn Féin would not support a motion that suggests we might find ways to save the rate payer money in this challenging environment”.

Colr. Jackson responded: “Our decision not to support a working group on this is because this issue has been well rehearsed. The only certainty we have is putting barriers in place will result in an increase cost to Council. Our policy as it exists to allow open access is the best way forward.”

Ald, McCready said he was disappointed by what he called the “blinkered” Sinn Féin position. He said there were many unanswered questions and concerns remained among the public. “Their concern is crystal clear - there are issues around how we manage our waste and the rate-payers are paying for it. Other people who are not from our jurisdiction are using it for free. Some, a small minority, may be abusing it, but for the large portion, those from the Republic of Ireland, Causeway Coast & Glen, and our bordering Councils, it could be convenience. They are doing nothing wrong but our ratepayers are paying for it. To every rate payer I have spoken to it is an unacceptable position.”

Colr. Boyle said he’d like to know what other Councils do across the country. His proposal for a new working committee, seconded by Ald. McCready, was carried by majority.