Find out how we use CCTV

We operate a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system in conjunction with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Our control room provides live monitoring for most CCTV cameras across the two boroughs.

The main objectives of our CCTV programme are to:

  • deter and reduce the fear of crime
  • help detect crime and provide material for court proceedings
  • provide assistance in the overall management of public health and safety
  • encouraging use of the town centre, shopping areas and car parks
  • assist in traffic management

This is explained in more detail in our latest CCTV annual report and code of practice.

Our CCTV is not used to enforce moving traffic offences.

Some staff wear body worn video cameras which are capable of recording both visual and audio information. These are clearly labelled, lit and only record when activated.

Areas monitored by our cameras

We operate CCTV cameras in the following parts of Tonbridge and Malling:

  • Aylesford
  • Blue Bell Hill
  • West Malling
  • Snodland
  • Tonbridge

Additional cameras are installed in many open car parks, where crime and anti-social behaviour has been a problem.

How many cameras are there?

Around 150 cameras are used in the Tonbridge and Malling CCTV system. The exact number can vary. Some are mobile cameras, which can be relocated or removed as required.

These cameras record 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most CCTV footage is kept for 30 days. 

Mobile camera locations

Both the borough council and Kent Police have a limited number of mobile cameras that can be deployed to help tackle anti-social behaviour. Suggested locations for cameras are first discussed by the Tonbridge and Malling Community Safety Partnership (CSU), which can help to identify whether there are other actions that can be taken to help address problems.

If deployed, mobile cameras are normally in place for a period between two weeks and six months, depending on local concerns elsewhere in the borough.

Reporting anti-social behaviour

If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour, you can report your concerns to the CSU using the button below. Alternatively, call 01732 876149 or email csp@tmbc.gov.uk.

Report anti-social behaviour

CCTV review requests and questions

CCTV footage is automatically deleted after 30 days unless a legitimate formal request has been received.

Certain laws and codes of practice restrict the release of CCTV footage and who it can be given to.

Any CCTV footage that can be supplied is only available as a DVD.

If you think that your vehicle has been damaged in one of our car parks, you will need to report this damage to the Police. We cannot provide members of the public with footage, or information from footage, or perform a review to see if anything has been captured before receiving a formal Police request.

The three parties that most commonly request CCTV reviews from us are shown below.

The Police

The Police can request a review and seize footage as part of their investigation once a crime has been reported to them.

Police request for CCTV review, save and seizure form

Insurance companies

Footage can be provided to insurance companies once they have supplied us with a court order showing that we can pass footage to that insurance company for a specific incident.

Subject access request

Requesting CCTV footage of yourself.

Any release of footage, or still image, will only show personal data for the subject. It will not show any details that could identify other people including car number plates. The subject will need to collect footage in person as proof of their identity. More information on making a subject access request.

Other parties

For a full list of parties who are able to show adequate grounds for disclosure, please see our CCTV Code or Practice Section 13.

CCTV issues form not Police requests

CCTV issues

Other owners of CCTV