£1m fund to develop new generation of CCTV cameras

UP TO £1 million is to be spent on bringing a new generation of closed-circuit TV to Scotland's streets.

Councils in 18 areas will be able to bid for a share of the cash, said the Executive.

Instead of traditional fixed cameras, the cash will be earmarked for methods such as mobile CCTV vans and wireless cameras which can be deployed quickly to hot-spots.

The councils able to bid will be those taking part in the existing "safe cities and towns" initiatives.

Hugh Henry, the deputy justice minister, said: "I want to see approaches that have the flexibility to reflect shifting trouble hot-spots and to help businesses and others reduce crime.

"By harnessing the potential of this modern technology we can further assist the police and help to reclaim city centres from criminals and yobs."