| |
Cops’ access to CCTV ‘illegal’
Ex-judge raises human rights concerns
CONGESTION Charge cameras being used for covert surveillance are illegal, a report by a former High Court judge has found.
Sir Christopher Rose QC, the Chief Surveillance Commissioner, has criticised the decision to give police unprecedented access to the C-Charge’s information gathering and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems.
Congestion Charge cameras collate CCTV images and the database of drivers registering to enter the West End collates confidential data – including credit card details, mobile phone numbers and addresses.
The decision to allow counter-terror officers access to this information was passed by the Home Office without parliamentary debate.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith “signed a letter” exempting anti-terror officers from the Data Protection Act. Police had previously to apply for the footage on a case-by-case basis.
But Sir Christopher, appointed to the post by former Prime Minister Tony Blair, reveals in his annual report his “concern” that legislation was necessary – regardless of the certificate signed by Ms Smith last month.
Sir Christopher’s report states: “With regard to the ANPR issue, my position is that legislation is necessary.”
It goes on: “There are human rights issues arising in connection with any use of private information to build up pictures of the movements of particular persons or vehicles. The position is complicated by the fact that the current technology can be used in a variety of different ways.”
The data processed by Transport for London now being stored on police databases include:
• colour CCTV images at the entrances and exits of the zone;
• images of vehicle number plates;
• text files revealing the time, date that all cars entered the zone;
• colour images from mobile enforcement vans inside the zone;
• pre-pay individual registration details, credit card details and mobile phone details.
A Freedom of Information request in November revealed that the cameras are not switched off at night or at the weekend – when the C-Charge is not in force – prompting outcry from campaigning group Liberty.
Security minister Tony McNulty said: “The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police believes that ANPR is necessary due to the enduring, vehicle-borne terrorist threat to London.
“The Met requires bulk ANPR data from TfL’s camera network in London specifically for terrorism intelligence purposes and to prevent and investigate such offences.” |
 |
|
| |
| |
