London

Trying to get footage from a public street camera – who owns it?

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Seeking Information on Public Street Camera Footage After an Incident

On May 1st, I was involved in a distressing incident on Druid Street where I was attacked. I’ve already reported the event to the police and received a crime reference number. Fortunately, I possess a photograph of the assailant and his vehicle, which includes a clearly visible license plate. However, securing video footage would significantly bolster my case.

A local business owner informed me about a public camera that might have captured the incident. I’ve documented this camera and its pole, which you can view here: Camera Images.

Upon inspection, I noticed “6 3 17,” which led me to believe that it might belong to the Southwark Council. I submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to them, yet I was informed that they do not have any public CCTV cameras in that area. The official response stated:

“Southwark CCTV do not have a public space CCTV camera that covers the location in your request, so unfortunately we are unable to assist you further with your enquiry. There should be signage in the vicinity of the camera mentioned in your email indicating who owns and operates it.”

Regrettably, I couldn’t find any additional identifying information on the pole. I’m considering reaching out to Transport for London (TfL) or directly to the police again, but I’m concerned that just like the council, they may take time to respond. Every moment counts, as I worry that the footage could be overwritten if it hasn’t been deleted already.

As a side note, I did spot a sign beneath the camera; however, it is positioned quite high, and the text is far too small to read, even when using my phone’s zoom function.

If anyone has experience with a situation like this or can offer guidance on next steps, your help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you to everyone who has already provided invaluable advice.

One thought on “Trying to get footage from a public street camera – who owns it?”

  1. Helpful Insights for Securing Public CCTV Footage in London

    Hi there, as a fellow London resident with some experience navigating the intricacies of CCTV footage requests, I wanted to share a few insights that might help your situation:

    • Identifying Ownership: Public street cameras in London are often managed by different authorities depending on the location—TfL, local councils, or private entities. The lack of signage or clear markings can complicate ownership identification, so documenting what you see is a good start.
    • Next Steps if FOI is Unsuccessful: If your FOI request to Southwark Council did not yield results, consider reaching out directly to Transport for London as they oversee many of the city’s major CCTV systems, especially on main roads and transport corridors. Using specific details and photographs when contacting them can speed up the process.
    • Time-Sensitive Actions: Since footage may be overwritten by the system within a limited window (often 7-30 days), acting promptly is crucial. Keeping a record of your requests and following up regularly can help ensure your matter remains active.
    • Involving Law Enforcement: Re-engaging the police with all gathered evidence, including your photograph and details about the camera, could prompt an investigation into whether footage exists and can be retrieved. Police might also have better access through official channels.
    Reply

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