Obtaining Traffic Camera Footage In The Uk: A Guide

In the UK, individuals can access traffic camera footage by making a request to the owner of the CCTV system. This can be done either in writing or verbally. The owner's details are usually written on a sign attached to the camera, unless the owner is obvious (e.g. a shop). The request should include specific information, such as the date, time, and location of the footage, as well as proof of identity and a description of oneself. It is important to act quickly, as traffic camera footage is typically retained for a limited period, usually between 7 to 31 days, before being automatically erased. Obtaining traffic camera footage can be challenging, and individuals may consider seeking professional advice or legal assistance if they encounter difficulties in the process.

How to request traffic camera footage in the UK

In the UK, you can access traffic camera footage by making a request to the owner of the CCTV system. This can be done verbally or in writing. The owner's details are usually written on a sign attached to the camera, unless the owner is obvious (e.g. a shop).

If you are requesting footage of yourself, you need to provide information to help the owner identify you, such as a specific date and time, proof of your identity, and a description of yourself. The CCTV owner must usually provide the footage free of charge within 1 calendar month. Most CCTV footage is deleted within 30 days of being recorded.

If you are requesting footage from Highways England, you should mark your request as "Urgent" and submit it to info@highwaysengland.co.uk. You can also contact them by phone on 0300 123 5000 or by post:

> Highways England National Traffic Operations Centre

> 3 Ridgeway, Quinton Business Park

> Birmingham B32 1AF

Highways England retains CCTV footage for up to 7 days unless an incident has been tagged, in which case it will be stored for 31 days and then deleted.

If you are requesting footage from Transport for London (TfL), you will need to submit your request in writing and include the date, time, and location of the footage you require. You can also call to chase your written request.

It is important to act quickly when requesting traffic camera footage, as some places retain footage for as little as 24 hours.

How long is traffic camera footage kept for

The duration for which traffic camera footage is stored varies depending on the local authorities' policies. In the UK, the retention period for traffic camera footage is generally between 5 to 7 days. Highways England, for instance, retains CCTV footage for up to 7 days before automatic erasure. They state that retaining the footage for longer than 7 days would breach the Data Protection Act as it would involve retaining personal information without a valid reason.

However, the retention period can differ in other jurisdictions. For instance, in New York City, traffic camera footage is kept for 30 days, while in Los Angeles, it is stored for up to 5 years. In California, there is no uniform policy, with certain cities storing red light camera footage for a year and others keeping it for just two weeks.

It is important to act swiftly when requesting traffic camera footage, as the recordings are often deleted or overwritten after the retention period.

Who can access traffic camera footage

In the UK, traffic camera footage can be requested by members of the public, although the process is often complex and time-consuming. The first step is to identify the location of the traffic camera and the agency responsible for its operation. This could be the local police department, the Department of Transportation, or a private company. Once the correct agency has been identified, individuals can then reach out to their representatives to request access to the footage. This can usually be done via phone, email, or by filling out an online form.

It is worth noting that not all traffic camera footage is stored indefinitely. Some agencies may store footage for several weeks, months, or even years, while others may only retain it for 24-72 hours. As such, it is important to act quickly when requesting footage.

In the UK, individuals have the right to request CCTV footage of themselves under data protection laws. To do so, individuals must contact the owner of the CCTV system, either verbally or in writing. The owner's details are usually written on a sign attached to the camera, unless the owner is obvious (such as a shop). When making the request, individuals should provide information such as the date, time, and a description of themselves to help the owner identify the relevant footage. The CCTV owner is typically required to provide the footage free of charge within one calendar month. However, they may not be permitted to share the footage if other people can be seen in it and their identities cannot be obscured.

In the case of traffic camera footage, the process of requesting CCTV footage of yourself may be similar. However, it is important to note that the retention policies and procedures for obtaining such footage may differ between agencies.

Where are traffic cameras located

In the UK, traffic cameras are located across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. There are 4,339 live traffic cameras in the UK, with the majority of these located in England. The number of cameras in each region of England varies, with the South East having the highest number (583) and the North West the fewest (252).

Traffic cameras are often located on top of traffic lights, monitoring traffic flow. They can be distinguished from red light cameras, which are located on the side or corner of an intersection and issue tickets.

To find the specific locations of traffic cameras, you can refer to online maps and resources. For instance, Traffic Cameras UK provides a Google Map showing live traffic conditions and CCTV images, allowing you to create custom routes and save your favourite locations. Similarly, England Highways provides a map of traffic cameras and live traffic information for England and Wales. By clicking on 'Traffic Cameras' from the map layers menu, you can view the camera locations. For Wales specifically, the Welsh Government's traffic information service provides details on camera locations for motorways and trunk roads.

How to request traffic camera footage after an accident

If you've been in a road accident in the UK and want to request traffic camera footage, there are a few steps you should take. Firstly, act quickly. Traffic camera footage is typically only retained for a short period, with sources giving retention times of between 24 hours and 31 days.

To make a request, you need to contact the owner of the camera. This could be a private company, local authority, or a government body such as Highways England or Transport for London (TfL). You can usually find the owner's details on a sign attached to the camera, or by searching online.

When making your request, include as much information as possible, such as the date, time, location, and any relevant details about yourself. Most sources recommend making your request in writing, and you may also want to follow up with a phone call to ensure it is received and processed promptly.

It's important to note that you may not always be granted access to the footage. For example, if other people are visible in the footage and their identities cannot be obscured, the owner might not be able to share it with you. In some cases, you may be invited to view the footage in person if it cannot be shared directly.

If you are requesting footage for a personal injury claim, you should also gather other types of evidence to support your case, such as eyewitness testimonies, photographs, and receipts for any accident-related expenses.

Frequently asked questions