ntl:Telewest Business, part of the Virgin Media group, in conjunction with Controlware Communications, has won "Best Security Project" at the 2007 IFSEC Security Industry Innovation Awards for a ground-breaking IP CCTV project with North Lanarkshire Council. The award recognised the pioneering design and implementation of one of the largest IP CCTV installations in Europe. Thanks to the system, Central Scotland has now become one of the safest places in Britain.
North Lanarkshire Council led the project which involved a £1.3 million deployment aimed at fighting crime and combating anti-social behaviour in the region.
The IP CCTV system has been developed and installed by ntl:Telewest Business and Controlware Communications and enables the viewing, management and recording of multiple CCTV schemes throughout the North Lanarkshire region. Cameras have been installed across town centres, housing estates and schools as well as business locations and many other sites.
Delivered over ntl:Telewest Business Metro Ethernet VPN, the solution links all police stations back to a central, purpose-built location, and is managed twenty-four hours a day by locally-based ntl:Telewest Business engineers. New services for North Lanarkshire Council, delivered over the Metro Ethernet VPN platform include an IP Telephony solution for the housing department and a data solution for the education department.
Julien St.John-Dennis, who heads up Business Products at ntl:Telewest Business said: "We're delighted to have won this prestigious award. The win acknowledges the people, products and technological advancements that have played a big part in shaping the security industry over the past year and we're excited to have had a key role in such a significant project."
"For local councils and emergency services, IP CCTV is an effective way to help combat crime, ensure citizens' safety and reduce risks of vandalism. North Lanarkshire is a shining exampling of what can be achieved with a 21st century solution."