Video surveillance system (VSS) is the use of video cameras for surveillance. It is monitored in Enfield through the Enfield Public Safety Centre.
To view details of VSS cameras in the borough, zoom into the map below and click on the blue pins.
How long recordings are kept for
Recordings are kept for up to 31 days in line with Home Office recommendations. If evidence is required, it is copied onto a hard disk or DVD to be held by the investigating officer (usually the police).
Obtaining copies of VSS images
If you believe you have been recorded on one of our cameras and would like to obtain the footage, create an Enfield Connected account and submit a subject access request (SAR).
You will not be charged for your subject access request. Sometimes we may refuse to release images due to legal or other restrictions. Each request is considered on its individual merits.
You will be required to provide proof of identity, address and vehicle ownership (if applicable) prior to a still image or digital copy of footage being provided, for example, passport or full driving licence.
Obtaining footage from criminal matter in which you were involved
In criminal cases, you must report the incident to your local police station and obtain a crime reference number. All criminal matters are dealt with by the police, and we will provide them with access to footage upon their request.
Obtaining footage from a road traffic collision in which you were involved
If you have been involved in a road traffic collision within the last 31 days in Enfield, you should contact your insurance company and tell them to make a request to Enfield Public Safety Centre (EPSC) by emailing cctv@enfield.gov.uk.
If it's a non-criminal traffic matter, the EPSC deals directly with your insurance company. If it's a criminal matter, they deal with the police. In criminal cases, you must report to your local police station and get a crime reference number.
From 1 April 2023, fees have been applied for footage requests and downloads.
- £120 for an initial request to check if footage exists
- £240 for the evidence pack
We ask that insurance companies are very specific in the written request and include the following:
- Date and time (for example, Monday 17 August 2015, between 3pm and 3:30pm)
- Exact location and direction of travel (for example, Southbury Road junction of Willow Road or outside 112-116 Fore Street N18)
- Make, model and colour of the vehicle (for example, AB01CDE - Silver Vauxhall Astra)
- A brief description of the incident
Installing private VSS cameras at your home or business
Members of the public may use VSS on their premises without telling the council, as long as they do not encroach on the private space of others. You should take care to ensure that the placement of cameras does not leave you liable to potential claims or litigation.
Businesses may put up VSS but must register and conform to the ICO CCTV Code of Practice. They must also clearly register the system's purpose. For more information visit the Information Commissioners Office and the Surveillance Camera Commissioner.
Using VSS on your property
To find out about installing VSS on your property, visit the Information Commissioners Office for advice and legislation.
VSS used on your property is exempt from the Data Protection Act unless it captures footage of people outside of your property or in a public space. If this is the case you must be fully registered with the ICO and comply with all legal requirements.
VSS operators training
All VSS operators are professionally trained. We employ contracted security trained and Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensed VSS operators.
No one may operate VSS cameras without the required training and license. VSS operators undergo continuous training, and it takes many months for operators to become skilled operators.
Monitoring of cameras
Operators are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with each camera being monitored regularly during this time.
Staff are regularly briefed with current information to ensure that the system is used as effectively as possible.
If an incident occurs, it is possible for the police control room to view the images in real time to assist officers attending the scene.
Council policy on the locations of VSS cameras
Our current policy on VSS is based on a ward survey conducted in 2006, where the potential impact of installing VSS to deter incidents of street crime and antisocial behaviour was considered. Consultation with partners, such as the police and levels of crime in an area inform decisions about where cameras are installed.
The VSS strategy is being updated to consider changes in technology, legislation and other local factors, particularly the recommendations contained within the Home Office National VSS strategy.
The new Home Office National VSS strategy recommends that all major VSS systems should be linked with the Local Authority's VSS systems, enabling greater coordination of resources. Enfield VSS is already connected to some local rail stations and there is ongoing work to connect with major shopping areas.
| Camera type | Number of cameras |
|---|---|
Street cameras - location details (PDF, 238.9 KB) | 339 |
Site or building security cameras - (locations not disclosed) | 429 |
Total number of council-operated cameras | 768 |
Privately-operated cameras - (locations not disclosed) | 283 |
Total number of cameras connected to Enfield Public Safety Centre | 1051 |
How your privacy is protected
All VSS operators are highly trained and understand the legal restrictions relating to the use of VSS. In addition, the Metropolitan police monitor our VSS operators' handling of cameras.
From time to time an independent group of volunteers acting as inspectors conduct unannounced visits to the EPSC control room to ensure that processes and performance are of the highest standard.
The professionalism of the VSS operators is ensured through constant supervision and systems checks. In addition the EPSC has undergone an independent Data Protection Act assessment, which will be carried out annually to reassure the public of its correct usage and compliance with legislation.
VSS cameras and traffic laws
VSS traffic cameras assist in the enforcement of parking regulations within the borough.
See information on parking enforcement cameras and locations.
VSS expenditure
See a detailed breakdown of our VSS expenditure (PDF, 139.79 KB).
Smart doorbells - commercial use
For additional information and guidance on domestic and commercial use of cameras and smart doorbells, visit the Information Commissioner's Office.