Hillingdon Council is the first local authority to use specialist CCTV systems to catch HGV drivers who breach weight restrictions across the borough.

The restrictions are being enforced using the latest unattended digital CCTV-based hosted system from Videalert, as a fully-managed service, and will enforce weight restriction contraventions which apply to HGVs exceeding 7.5 tonnes on designated roads.

The weight limits apply to the maximum permitted weight of vehicles, so even if the HGV is empty or partly-loaded, they'll still be subject to the prohibitions.

HGVs will still be able to access local shops, businesses and residential properties for deliveries and removals however, due to a 'whitelist' that enables an 'except for access' clause.

This is also the first system to be delivered using CEaaS, the innovative Civil Enforcement as a Service solution that utilises the Videalert's Department for Transport Manufacturer Certified hosted platform, and will play an important role in improving road safety across the borough.

Tim Daniels, sales and marketing director of Videalert, said: “CEaaS provides councils with a cost effective and efficient way to make weight limit restrictions really work.”

“This fully-managed service is highly flexible, allowing additional systems to be installed or existing ones removed to meet local needs without saddling councils with obsolete technology.

“It also enables councils, as and when legislated, to rapidly deploy enforcement of the full range of other moving traffic offences including banned turns, yellow box junctions, bus lanes and parking offences on keep clears outside schools.”

Automatic number plate recognition will be used alongside video analytics to capture vehicles that disregard the stated weight restrictions.

Contraventions are automatically captured at the time they occur and transferred to the hosted server platform without using any council IT infrastructure or communications networks.

Evidence packs are remotely reviewed and processed by the council’s enforcement contractor staff using standard web browsers before confirmed offences are sent to the PCN back office system for processing.

Civil Enforcement as a Service includes the planning, supply, installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance of on-street equipment, such as the latest digital cameras and all associated communications connectivity.

It allows the equipment to be moved and relocated as required to meet Hillingdon’s tactical requirements.