Published: January 24, 2008
Number plate recognition cameras set to be introduced in Burnham

Roadside number plate recognition cameras are set to be introduced in Burnham-On-Sea, Brean and Highbridge by local police in a bid to crackdown on travelling criminals and vehicle crime.

Sgt Ian Kennett said at the latest meeting of Burnham Chamber of Trade and Commerce that the new cameras could have a "major impact" in helping officers target travelling crimninals.

"Number plate recognition cameras are particularly good at quickly logging details of vehicles, helping us take action against travelling criminals and even sex offenders," Sgt Kennett told Burnham-On-Sea.com. "They can have a major impact in reducing crime."

There are currently 16 similar cameras in operation across Somerset - each comparing number plates against a central police database - and the first camera in our area will be "soon" be introduced at Edithmead on the outskirts of Burnham.

Burnham police are keen for two further cameras to be introduced at Brean and Highbridge and Sgt Kennett is appealing to local businesses to come forward to help with funding.

Each camera costs around £20,000 but there are no ongoing costs of monitoring the number plates, which are met by police.

Alex Turco, Chairman of the Chamber of Trade, urged local busineses to support the scheme and said the project is a "very interesting proposition that could have many benefits to businesses if crime is reduced."