Keeping safe in Watford at night

In this section

Town centre CCTV

Request CCTV footage

Accessing CCTV Footage in Watford

  • Release of footage - Watford Borough Council does not routinely release CCTV footage directly to members of the public. Requests must be submitted by a solicitor or an insurance company acting on behalf of an individual.
  • Legitimate purpose - Requests must demonstrate a valid and lawful reason, such as support for legal proceedings or an insurance claim, and must comply with data protection legislation. The release of CCTV footage cannot be guaranteed.
  • Privacy considerations - The Council does not use privacy filtering or redaction software. As a result, CCTV footage cannot be disclosed where other identifiable individuals appear in the images, as this would breach data protection requirements.
  • Police access - Hertfordshire Police may view or obtain CCTV footage where it is required for the prevention or detection of crime, or as part of a criminal investigation. 

Privacy and Legal Compliance - Public Space CCTV

Watford Borough Council, in partnership with Hertfordshire Police and the Safer Streets Shop and Pub Link scheme, operates CCTV to help protect and maintain a safer Watford town centre and surrounding areas.

  • The Surveillance Camera Code of Practice issued under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
  • The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
  • The Data Protection Act 2018
  • CCTV data retention policy stipulates that all captured footage is overwritten after 30 days.

CCTV is operated fairly, lawfully, and transparently. Images are only used for specified and legitimate purposes, are kept securely, and are retained only for as long as necessary. Access to CCTV footage is strictly controlled and shared only where there is a lawful basis to do so, such as for the prevention and detection of crime.  Signage is in place to inform members of the public that CCTV is in operation.

Watford Borough Council is not responsible for the following:

  • Traffic management cameras
  • Town centre raising bollards
  • Street furniture
  • Loose or uneven paving slabs
  • Faulty street lighting

These matters are the responsibility of Hertfordshire County Council (HCC).

How to report a problem

Please report any issues directly to Hertfordshire County Council:

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