Smart Cities will become the safest in the UK

This year has seen public health and safety take centre stage like never before. With COVID-19 continuing to impact daily life, cities and councils have had to implement various measures to ensure safety, such as one-way systems, sanitising stations, and clear signage.

Historically, CCTV has been associated with crime prevention, helping police investigations and deterring theft. However, with the rise of high-tech video analytics, CCTV is now playing a vital role in improving public safety in new and proactive ways.

Using CCTV to Monitor Social Distancing and Public Spaces

In the era of COVID-19, monitoring social distancing has become a key concern for public health. CCTV cameras, combined with advanced video analytics, can identify areas where social distancing is not being maintained. By reviewing data such as heat maps, local authorities can evaluate whether adjustments to one-way systems or signage are necessary, especially in crowded areas during peak times.

The Role of Video Analytics in Crime Prevention and Missing Persons Cases

Beyond criminal deterrence, video analytics has a significant role in public safety. In the UK alone, more than 100,000 children are reported missing every year, and around 40,000 people living with dementia go missing. Advanced video analytics can search hours of footage within minutes, tracking and identifying individuals based on key characteristics. By leveraging intelligent software, authorities can quickly pinpoint the last known location of missing persons and enhance response times, bringing people back safely.

How Data from CCTV Can Improve City Traffic and Safety Measures

CCTV also plays a vital role in traffic management and public safety. In areas prone to accidents, video data can help identify contributing factors, such as poor traffic flow or hazardous intersections. Local authorities can use this information to implement measures such as adjusting traffic light timings or improving road layouts to prevent accidents.

While some view CCTV as "big brother" monitoring, it's essential to remember its primary purpose is not to infringe on privacy but to ensure public spaces are safe for everyone.

Conclusion

As the UK continues to navigate the phases of reopening, data from CCTV and video analytics will play an increasingly important role in improving public health and safety. By using technology effectively, cities can enhance safety measures and adapt to the new normal in a smarter way.

Interested in finding out how Video Analytics can help your organisation? Contact us.