UK traffic wardens to wield handheld camcorders
By Darren Murph 
posted May 23rd 2007 2:05PM
posted May 23rd 2007 2:05PM
At this point, the near-daily implementations of added surveillance in England is bordering on comical, but for the residents of the country, we're sure it feels more like infuriating. Just days after introducing the British to flying all-seeing police bots comes news that traffic wardens in Salford are becoming the first in the UK to wield handheld video camera. The move was reportedly made so that attendants could have "evidence to prove beyond doubt that the penalties its wardens hand out are justified," which sounds like it could cut down on any questionable penalization that disgruntled employees had the power to administer. Additionally, video from the camcorders will be used in cases where wardens are "assaulted or abused" while on the job, and while we're sure it's not part of the plan, the UK government could have miles of footage for its own rendition of COPS should it choose to use it.[Via Inquirer]
Traffic Wardens in Belfast have had digital cameras for a while
Seriously.. if I am about to abuse a traffic warden.. what are the odds that I will leave the camera that was being pointed at me behind after I beat the warden to a bloody pulp (this is purely hypothetical.. I would never do such a thing...)
UK != England.
They won't be "hand-held", they're side mounted on the ear beneath the helmet.
I am a dirty fucking spammer: ange_3220@yahoo.com
Oh my.. this is something definitly something new. I wouldn't be sure how well recieved in U.S. since people will be screaming about human rights being violated... Would they erase the video data after they film in a day..
Why do Weblog, Inc. bloggers can't seem to differentiate UK and England.
West London wardens in my part of town already have video cameras. But these news is about head mounted video cams.
Engadget, please proof read any article before posting.
"UK != England."
Since when?
@anime_miz
Heh, nothing new to see here. Search Britian and Survellence and be prepared to go make your tinfoil hat. You can't cough in Britain without having the Parliment file a report.
@RetepNamenots
Since about 1707?
@RetepNamenots, and Engadget...
For the last time:
UK (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) = England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Great Britain = England, Wales, Scotland
England = England
Unless you specifically know you're _just_ talking about England, it's best to say 'UK'.
I hope NYC doesn't join the bandwagon.. lol
Why would it be infuriating? You don't even know you're on camera for the vast majority of the time.
Traffic wardens probably need such support anyway -- it's not as if they're well liked (or treated) by the people they generally deal with.
Whine about surveillance all you want, this actually sounds quite sensible. What better evidence that your car was where they said it was than a picture/video of it?
And seriously, why don't Americans get the difference between the UK and England? England is A PART OF the UK. A bit like Texas is a part of the USA, and Canada is part of North America.
@treetrunk
Honestly? Because we don't give a good goddamn. Sorry.
Americans seems to have taken a liking of the word 'England'. It just must be said every time an article involving the whole of the UK comes up. It drives me mad, but what can you do?
I just watched Sky News over here, and I saw this. They'll actually be head-mounted cameras, not hand-held cameras, and I think it's a great idea.
This was on TV this morning, the cameras are head mounted like the others have said, not handheld. The funny bit was that the report was trying to make out that you couldn't tell the warden had a camera, when they had a plastic tube with a lens on the front strapped to their head!!! lol
For all those smart asses grilling Americans over the UK=England-Wales crap, could any of you name all the US states and their relative positions?
You could start an all night long argument over here in a pub about the correct naming for the union, so don't expect someone from another country to get it spot on.
@ CB
I couldnt tell you where all the states are, but I can tell the difference between USA, Canada and Mexico, which is a closer metaphor. You seem to assume all Americans live in the USA!
England, Wales Scotland and Northern Ireland are different countries with their own history, languages, culture and ethnic mix. The Welsh word for English is Saesneg - literally Saxons - they are still considered foreign invaders. All share a central government, but that doesn't negate their distinct nationhood.
Engadget, tbh most people here don't give a flying fuck how many cameras there are, they make things safe and mean if some chav tries to mug me, he will be on camera somewhere.
Have you ever been to Salford? I bet the traffic wardens are thinking great now I'm a prime target for a good old mugging too!
This article is wrong. Traffic wardens have been using digi cameras and digi video cameras in Oxford for some time. I frequently see them snapping photos of students cars on my road and have done so for about 2 years.