New cameras set up to monitor travel patterns

If you’ve seen some new cameras appear on lampposts around Telford, do not be alarmed!

The cameras mounted high-up have appeared in Wellington, right at the top of New Street. 

A sticker at the bottom gives a clue as to their purpose, but the website linked at the bottom of the sticker does say that the camera is “Powered by advanced AI computer vision” which could set alarm bells ringing.

Rest assured that these are not face-tracking or linked up to a database to identify who is going where, but simply to help improve travel.

A Telford & Wrekin Council spokesperson said: “These cameras are monitoring the different types of road users to help us to better understand travel patterns and assess the impact of our investment into local cycleways, town centres and roads. 

“There are currently also similar cameras on the A518. This information will also help provide information for future funding bids to help improve local transport infrastructure.

“We can reassure people that no personally identifiable information is collected, and they do not use face-tracking or face-recognition software.”