Public Sector Roundup: CCTV to watch emissions

London enforcing low emission zone with CCTV system

Earlier this week, London mayor Ken Livingstone launched the Low Emission Zone, which means all diesel lorries over 12 tons must meet specific emissions targets in order to enter the zone.

Livingstone said: "In London, two thirds of emissions of the most dangerous air pollutants come from road traffic, and the majority of these are caused by the vehicles the zone will target - the heaviest, most polluting diesel-engined lorries, coaches, and buses."

The zone is being enforced with London's network of CCTV cameras and Vehicle Number Plate Recognition analysis system. The cameras will identify the registration number of such vehicles and compare them to databases to check the lorry is up to specifications.

The programme will be extended to vehicles over 3.5 tons on 7 July.

Birmingham rolls out mobile projects

Service Birmingham - a tieup between the council and Capita - has chosen Northgate Information Solutions to provide mobile services for the city.

The mobile services will be used, mostly by the council's housing department, to speed up delivery, boost efficiency, support flexible working and cut carbon emissions.

Roger Preece, director of ICT at Service Birmingham, said: "We are committed to providing residents with public services that are tailored to their needs, that they only have to ask for once, and that are delivered in ways that they prefer. Through working with Northgate and other partners, we will provide staff and citizens alike with personalised and responsive services, more efficiently."

Government looks for disaster tech

The government's Technology Strategy Board is investing £10 million in research and development in gathering data in complex environments, including disaster mitigation and response.

The board will also be looking at using technology to manage traffic, roads and pollution. It is hoped the innovations which emerge could be deployed by police and fire services, as well as local authorities.

TSB chief executive Iain Gray said: "The ability to gather information in complex or difficult environments is vital for organisations such as the emergency services, transport authorities and power companies. Many UK companies have particular strengths in sensing, instrumentation and imaging technologies, and in telecommunications and intelligent systems. Bringing this expertise together would give the UK the capability to offer complete tracking and monitoring solutions, and to exploit the worldwide demand for such technology."

Submissions for project proposals opened last week and close 8 May.

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