A new hi-tech CCTV camera system installed at a Burnham-On-Sea seafront car park last month in a bid to crackdown on the ongoing issue of ’boy racers’ has not halted the problem, say residents.
Several residents at nearby Quantock Court on the South Esplanade say CCTV cameras have moved the problem of anti-social driving further along the seafront.
As first reported here by Burnham-On-Sea.com, the new infra-red cameras were installed on Friday (July 6th) by Sedgemoor District Council at the entrance to the car park on The Esplanade, pictured here.
“The CCTV cameras have reduced the problems in the car park because the young drivers don’t want to be caught on camera, but now they’re tearing along the South Esplanade down to the Sailing Club and the North Esplanade instead,” seafront resident Michael Clarke told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“It’s really disappointing – and we are continuing discussions with the Police to get patrols stepped up.”
The new car park cameras – which are monitored at the council’s CCTV control room in Bridgwater – have been installed amid ongoing traveller encampments and continuing problems with anti-social driving in the Pier Street and B&M car parks.
Council spokeswoman Claire Faun told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “A new CCTV system featuring high-definition cameras with infrared capabilities, operated by Sedgemoor District Council, will assist the Police to identify and apprehend offenders.”
Burnham Police’s Sgt Ryan Edwards told a recent town council meeting: “We welcome the new infra-red CCTV cameras being installed which will be a great help in monitoring the car park and getting prosecutions.”
