Wardens to keep electronic eye on hot spot

Pietà has become the latest local council to install closed circuit television, in this case in a most appropriate location - St Luke's Square, Guardamangia, close to the Detox Centre, which is notorious for loitering, vandalism and petty theft.

Mayor Malcolm Mifsud said the CCTV, which is linked to the wardens' office in Msida, will provide more security and will help enforce laws, particularly those governing traffic.

Dr Mifsud referred to the unauthorised parking that takes place at the bus terminus and at the roundabout and other problems allegedly caused by some of the people who attend the centre.

People in the area were occasionally victims of vandalism and petty theft, he said, and have had radios, bags and other belongings stolen from their cars.

The council often received complaints from residents and people visiting St Luke's Hospital, such as about motorists who dropped off passengers in the middle of the road opposite the hospital's main gate.

The council had managed to secure a police presence in the square after a series of incidents, including fighting, and the CCTV would not be a substitute. Police officers were still needed in the area, said Dr Mifsud.

The CCTV, which was an extension of the warden service, has cost the council some Lm400 as well as a daily fee to the wardens' office which will monitor the square daily.

The council will issue fines for offences on the basis of pictures and video tape recorded by the camera. It will also be willing to cooperate with the authorities to curb abuse by making the pictures available.

Anyone booked for an offence would have the right to contest it through the normal procedures before the tribunal.

A number of other local councils, including Birkirkara and Gzira, have installed similar systems at strategic locations.