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Personal CCTV cameras for Donegal
traffic wardens
16.02.16
DONEGAL traffic wardens
are among the first in the country to be kitted out
with personal CCTV cameras.
The personal safety devices are part of a new warden
uniform and are designed to de-escalate potential
conflict on the beat.
Donegal County Council has wardens deployed in six
towns - Letterkenny, Buncrana, Ballybofey,
Ballyshannon, Donegal Town and Bundoran.
They issue parking tickets and on-the-spot fines for
parking violations.
"Whilst this technology is widely used in other
European countries including the UK, Donegal County
Council is one of the first local authorities to
introduce it here in Ireland," said director of
roads and transportation John McLaughlin. |
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Donegal traffic wardens pictured in
their new uniforms. |
The CCTV cameras are
mainly for the personal safety of traffic wardens
carrying out their duties.
"These devices will not be operating on a continuous
basis, however, if a traffic warden finds him or
herself in a situation that could result in some
form of confrontation they can advise the other
person or persons that they are turning on the
device to record proceedings. Traffic wardens have
been trained in using these devices and there are
strict rules in place prohibiting the filming of
children or minors," he said.
“Most traffic wardens are working on their own and
this device is about ensuring their personal safety
while doing their job. We hope that it will not be
needed too often but it is there as a safety
precaution." The council said that research shows
that CCTV warden cameras act as a deterrent and help
de-escalate conflict. So the advice is don't snap at
the traffic warden - they might just snap back!
Members of the public can contact the parking
section by emailing
parkingsection@donegalcoco.ie or by calling 074
91 53900. |
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