The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham has installed Videalert CCTV enforcement cameras in new temporary vehicle restriction zones aimed at stopping non-residents rat running through residential streets.
This new scheme followed a six-month trial closure of Harwood Terrace, which began in October to try to reduce the 92% of traffic in the area that came from people who live outside the borough. The cameras use ANPR technology to capture the number plates of motorists who enter these roads with fines issued to those that do not hold a valid Hammersmith and Fulham residents’ parking permit.
“This scheme will significantly reduce the volume of traffic in the area,” commented Mark Hoskin, Group Business Development Director at Videalert’s owner Marston Holdings. “Marston Holdings has supported the council from the initial design and planning of this Low Traffic Neighbourhood through to enforcement. This demonstrates our ability to provide innovative end-to-end solutions.”
Nine Videalert cameras have been installed as part of the Harwood Terrace scheme and were switched on in mid-July following the installation of relevant signage by the council. These ONVIF compliant HD cameras capture the highest quality images to minimise discard-rates and help reduce the number of appeals. This data is transmitted to Videalert’s DfT Manufacturer Certified hosted platform which integrates with the council’s permit systems to ensure that resident and key ‘permitted vehicles’ can pass through control points and move around the area without obstacle. Visitors and delivery drivers are accommodated within the scheme via a data push from the host system.
It is hoped that this scheme will significantly reduce the through traffic east of Wandsworth Bridge Road, including through Harwood Terrace, and improve bus journey times at the Bagley’s Lane junction. Traffic previously able to cut through to New Kings Road will also be eliminated, which Videalert says will help reduce noise, air pollution and vehicle emissions in line with the council’s climate emergency strategy. The council is also introducing full width speed humps and planters at the width restrictions to reinforce traffic calming and improve the visual feel of Harwood Terrace.
Videalert’s hosted platform maintains an ‘exempt list’ of permitted vehicles including buses, taxis, emergency services, refuse trucks and council service vehicles. The cameras automatically capture the number plates of vehicles committing an offence. This data is transmitted to the Videalert platform where evidence packs are automatically compiled for review through a secure online portal prior to PCNs being issued.
(Picture – Videalert)
