'Don't use CCTV against recyclers'

Herts and Essex Newspapers
Dec. 08, 2006

CCTV cameras should be used to tackle anti-social behaviour, not pick on those trying their best to recycle in the borough of Broxbourne, a councillor said this week. Cllr Mark Mills-Bishop (Con, Goffs Oak) told the Mercury that he disapproved of the Big Brother tactics used by Broxbourne Council at recycling centres.

Well-meaning residents who have left goods beside over-flowing recycling banks at the centre in Hammondstreet Road, Cheshunt, have been fined. CCTV footage has been used to track them via their car number plates.

Our own poll of councillors found that nearly all thought the council should re-examine its policy. Cllr Mills-Bishop said CCTV cameras should only be used covertly "when other methods have been tried, tested and failed and the use is authorised because it is necessary".

"Unless there is a serious problem of business, commercial or large household items being dumped, then I am opposed to their use against residents leaving recycled material next to containers because it is either locked or full.

"I do not see the use of covert cameras is necessary or proportionate when people are trying to do the right thing. What are we doing using covert cameras to catch people leaving recycled material next to the container, when the borough is having an increase in anti-social behaviour of criminal damage and other forms of disorder?

"Hidden cameras ought to be used in these areas. It is plain daft to target NRCs [neighbourhood recycling centres] when there are other areas of high priority."

He continued: "As the Mercury and residents have pointed out we will shoot ourselves in the foot and put people off.

"I urge residents to carry on recycling, but not to leave bags next to containers.

"If they are full or locked, take it home or use another NRC. But carry on making this borough the best recycling area in the country."