A TRAFFIC monitoring camera put up in Onchan did not comply with data protection rules, it was confirmed in Tynwald.
Onchan MHK David Quirk lodged a formal complaint with the Data Protection Supervisor after CCTV cameras appeared by the new high school at Bemahague.
He said he was contacted by concerned constituents after the cameras appeared on either side of the Heywood Drive junction on Hillberry Road, with one overlooking a bus stop and the second fixed to a lamp post. No signs were erected advising what use the cameras were being put to. They were only in place for about four days until they were removed.
Related article: {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/onchan-mhk-lodges-complaint-over-cctv-at-bus-stop-1-5504296|Onchan MHK lodges complaint over CCTV at bus stop}
Mr Quirk questioned whether images were recorded of people waiting at the bus stop or children going into school
In Tynwald, he asked Infrastructure Minister David Cretney what his department’s policy was on storing and viewing images from CCTV surveillance.
Mr Cretney said: ‘It was with some concern to me that the department has identified that the highways division did not comply with the procedures with regard to traffic cameras and arrangements have been put in place to correct this position.’
He described it as a ‘one-off’ incident which he had not been happy to learn of. ‘Moves are underway to ensure it will not happen again,’ he told members. ‘The cameras will certainly not be used again until the appropriate procedures are in place as required by the Data Protection Act. If cameras are fixed in such a way they will have appropriate signage.’
Mr Cretney explained his department has CCTV at various locations across the island including the harbours, the Sea Terminal, the airport, the Tromode vehicle test centre and the Chester Street car park. In addition CCTV is used to study road traffic movements.
He said data is stored for a maximum of 30 days and records kept of any downloads. As required under the Data Protection Act CCTV guidance, signs have to be erected indicating that the cameras are in use.
