Britain's CCTV camera network, which is the most
elaborate in the world, is getting speakers installed. According to the BBC,
talking CCTV cameras are going to tell off people off for dropping litter or
committing anti-social behaviour.
The talking cameras will be installed in Southwark,
Barking and Dagenham, in London, Reading, Harlow, Norwich, Ipswich, Plymouth,
Gloucester, Derby, Northampton, Mansfield, Nottingham, Coventry, Sandwell,
Wirral, Blackpool, Salford, South Tyneside and Darlington.
It is going to cost more than £500,000 adding speaker
facilities to existing cameras. Home Secretary John Reid told BBC News there
would be some people who he assures us are in the minority who will be
concerned about civil liberties intrusions.
However he said the majority find that their life is more upset by people who make their life a misery in the inner cities because they can't go out and feel safe and secure in a healthy, clean environment because of a minority of people.
More here.