Body-worn cameras have been issued to National Highways traffic officers patrolling motorways and some major A roads across the country, following more than 200 incidents of intimidation, assault or abuse in just one year.
National Highways says these took place between January 2020 and 2021 despite the impact of the Covid lockdowns on traffic numbers.
The national roll-out started in 2021 and was completed last month when the equipment was issued to staff in the Midlands.
The English strategic roads body says studies have shown that the presence of a camera can reduce the potential for confrontation and, should an incident occur, provide vital evidence needed for a police investigation and ultimately prosecution.
National Highways traffic officers’ remit is to keep people safe and help the roads network run smoothly. Those that patrol the network are often first on the scene if there’s an incident and help to reopen the road as soon as possible whether by clearing obstructions and spills, helping with broken-down vehicles or supporting the emergency services.
But National Highways says despite their primary role being to help, abuse is becoming an increasing problem as they carry out this vital work. Incidents range from abuse being shouted from a vehicle, foul language, objects being thrown, targeted threats and even physical attacks.
It has released footage of two difficult situations faced by traffic officers which have already been captured on the new cameras:
National Highways Customer Service Director, Mel Clarke, said: “The cameras have been provided to help protect our traffic officers and will be part of their uniform. Like a seat-belt, we hope the camera isn’t needed, but it will be there if necessary.
“Our traffic officers should not have to face abuse or even threats while simply doing their job – which is to help people and keep our roads moving.
“We want to reassure them, and warn anyone who thinks such abuse is acceptable, that we will do all we can to support our traffic officers and vigorously pursue justice for any criminal activities directed towards them.”
Traffic officers are wearing Motorola Solutions’ VB400 body-worn cameras which are used to support safety across many UK enterprises and organisations including multiple police forces and NHS England’s ambulance trusts.
Costing some £500,000 to roll out across the team of traffic officers, the camera units are designed to withstand rigorous use and capture high-quality video and audio in all weather and light conditions. Recorded video is uploaded to the cloud, providing footage which is admissible in court.
(Picture – National Highways)
