CCTV use

Request the number of CCTV cameras, their locations, and operating costs.

Many Scottish councils operate public space CCTV systems. The number of cameras, where they are, and what they cost to run are matters of public interest, particularly as surveillance technology becomes more capable.

Dear [AUTHORITY NAME], Please provide the following information. 1. The total number of CCTV cameras operated by the authority in public spaces. 2. The locations of these cameras, by street or area. 3. The total annual cost of operating the CCTV system in [FINANCIAL YEAR e.g. 2024-25]. 4. Whether any cameras use facial recognition or automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology. I would prefer to receive this by email. Yours faithfully, [YOUR NAME]
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Who to send it to#

Your local council, which usually operates public space CCTV, or Police Scotland, which has access to many systems. Find the right authority on the Commissioner’s directory of Scottish public authorities. You can also send your request through WhatDoTheyKnow, which publishes responses online.

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Tips#

  • Ask the council rather than the police, councils usually own and fund public space CCTV.
  • The question about facial recognition and ANPR is worth including because these technologies raise additional privacy concerns.
  • If you are told that camera locations cannot be disclosed for security reasons, you can challenge this. The presence of cameras in public spaces is generally visible and not confidential.