The Residents' Services Select Committee met on Tuesday 7 July 2026 to discuss the Council's CCTV service and review the draft Parking Annual Report for 2025/26. The committee also began discussions on potential future policy review topics.

CCTV Service

The committee received an overview of the Council's CCTV service, which operates nearly 3,000 cameras across the borough. These cameras are monitored 24/7 to deter crime and anti-social behaviour, and to provide evidential material for prosecutions. The service is funded by the Council, with contributions from the Uxbridge Business Improvement District and the Housing Revenue Account.

Councillor Riley Russell raised concerns about trees obstructing camera views, to which CCTV Manager Charlie Cairns explained that while this is an ongoing issue, the team works with the green spaces team to manage it. Councillor Daniel Singham inquired about the possibility of Metropolitan Police officers being stationed in the CCTV room, a suggestion that had been made but not yet taken up by the police due to staffing pressures. Councillor Paul Capps asked about the number of non-working cameras, and while an exact figure was not available, it was noted that some older cameras are end-of-life and are being replaced as part of a refreshment programme.

The introduction of AI cameras was discussed, with Charlie Cairns confirming that 60 new cameras will have AI capabilities, allowing for configuration for movement and sound detection. Councillor Navnit Dhesi asked about facial recognition capabilities, and Cairns clarified that while the technology exists, it is not currently being used due to data sharing agreement complexities with the police. However, the AI cameras can be used for non-biometric searches, such as identifying clothing. Councillor Capps highlighted the usefulness of this capability for locating missing persons.

The committee also discussed the operational impact and value of a staffed CCTV control room, citing a case example where real-time support during a violent incident led to a swift arrest.

Parking Annual Report

The committee reviewed the draft Parking Annual Report for 2025/26. The report details the Council's parking management activities, including permit issuance, parking restrictions, and enforcement data.

Councillor Riley Russell inquired about the moped scheme on Ruislip High Street, and it was noted that while initially successful in deterring motorcycles from occupying car parking bays, ongoing issues have led to an increased focus on enforcement. The complexity of rolling out such schemes across different high streets was discussed, involving public consultation, traffic order changes, and dedicated enforcement efforts, with implementation typically taking around a year.

Councillor Daniel Singham asked about the reinvestment of income from Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs). It was explained that PCN income is legally restricted to transport and highways-related activities, such as concessionary travel costs and offsetting transport team expenses. Councillor Navnit Dhesi questioned the reported zero formal appeals in the 2025/26 figures, and it was clarified that the report was a draft and this figure would be corrected.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Kamal Preet Kaur about vehicles being used as long-term airport parking on residential streets, and the possibility of implementing time-restricted parking was discussed. The report also detailed the introduction of a new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) vehicle to improve the efficiency of parking enforcement, particularly in resident permit schemes. The decommissioning of some School Keep Clear (SKC) cameras in favour of ANPR monitoring was also discussed, with concerns raised by Councillor Capps about the impact on school safety. It was clarified that the ANPR car would still monitor SKC zones, alongside civil enforcement officers, and that schools had been informed of the changes.

The report also covered the use of PayByPhone parking, the HillingdonFirst Card, and the various types of parking permits available. The financial implications of parking services were presented, showing a surplus that is reinvested in areas such as concessionary fares and traffic management.

Policy Review Discussion & Guidance

The committee discussed potential topics for future policy reviews. Councillor Capps suggested examining anti-social behaviour (ASB) on high streets, which could encompass issues from fly-tipping to public behaviour. Councillor Dhesi, while acknowledging it might fall under a different committee's remit, raised the issue of drug dependency services and support for individuals. Councillor Russell proposed a review of graffiti removal and enforcement. Councillor Capps also suggested exploring the use of dummy cameras as a deterrent.

Councillor Peter Smallwood OBE, Chair of the Committee, proposed a review of Hillingdon Heritage and the Council's efforts to promote it, as well as a broader review of enforcement, linking it to the new Cabinet Member for Enforcement and the resident experience of issues like fly-tipping. Councillor Balaam suggested including green spaces in any enforcement review, noting the challenges of enforcement in rural areas. Councillor Capps added the importance of safety in green spaces, including lighting and other measures.

The committee discussed the proposed delegation of the task of scoping out these ideas to the Democratic Services Officer, in conjunction with the Chair and Opposition Lead, with a view to presenting a shortlist of topics for further consideration at a future meeting.

Forward Plan and Work Programme

The committee noted the Cabinet's Forward Plan, which outlines forthcoming Cabinet decisions and potential areas for scrutiny. They also reviewed their Work Programme, noting upcoming meetings and planned site visits, including a visit to the Council's CCTV control room.