CCTV in the UK-how common is it?

[Pingfah]

I can't say i'm too worried about the people who run these things. Most of them couldn't organise a piss up in a brewery.

We should fear them being in local government sure, but not because of this.

 

[cultcross]

Just out of curiosity, what's the penalty for putting one of these CCTV cameras out of commission?

Well you'd be charged with criminal damage, as with any other property. The penalties for criminal damage are probably the most varied of any offence in English law and can range from an £80 fixed penalty for some graffiti to life imprisonment for arson endangering life. As such, it's not just the property that's destroyed (the camera) but also the method of destruction or damage that would determine a sentence if you were convicted.

If the offence is 'non aggravated' (ie, no extenuating factors which make it 'worse' such as danger to life or blocking out a camera to commit a worse offence) and the damage is <£5000, it would normally be tried summarily by the Magistrate's Court (that is English legalese equivalent to 'a misdemeanour') with a max penalty of 3 months imprisonment and a fine not exceeding £2,500 plus repair costs for the damage and legal costs.

 

[M'Sharak]

[...]

- There are red light cameras, box junction cameras (do you have box junctions in North America?) [...]

I think there may be a few at selected urban intersections where gridlock has been a chronic problem, but they're not at all common. You're much more likely to see signs reading "Do not block intersection" or a marking of "Keep clear" painted on the roadway between wide white lines across the traffic lane.

 

[John Clark]

I think there may be a few at selected urban intersections where gridlock has been a chronic problem, but they're not at all common. You're much more likely to see signs reading "Do not block intersection" or a marking of "Keep clear" painted on the roadway between wide white lines across the traffic lane.

Near me, we have a few box junctions complete with markings. Doesn't seem to make much difference on people keeping them clear though. We don't have cameras at most of the local ones, but we do have our fair share of speed and red light cameras.