CCTV

Norwich City Council operates a citywide CCTV network to help protect public spaces, support community safety, and assist local services. Find out how these systems are used to monitor key areas, reduce crime, and how you can request footage if needed.

Keeping Norwich safe with CCTV

We run a citywide CCTV system to help keep public spaces, car parks and council-owned sites across Norwich safe and secure.

Our CCTV supports two key goals:

  • making Norwich a safe, clean, and environmentally friendly city
  • helping Norwich stay vibrant and prosperous

Each camera system is set up with specific goals, such as:

  • reducing crime, antisocial behaviour, and aggression
  • supporting police in managing the city centre
  • protecting public spaces, council buildings, and staff
  • encouraging investment and supporting local businesses

We operate 139 fixed cameras across the city, including in the city centre and some residential areas. These cameras record 24/7, all year round from a dedicated control room. 

Footage is kept for 31 days before being automatically deleted. We also have mobile cameras that can be temporarily placed in neighbourhoods to help with local safety concerns.

Our control room is connected to:

  • Norfolk Police (via live video and radio)
  • local shop security teams, pubs, and clubs

Some other CCTV systems, like those in City Hall and council car parks, are not monitored live but still help keep these areas secure.

Accessing CCTV footage

If a crime has occurred

Report it to the police first. They can access CCTV footage directly at no cost as part of their investigation. If the police are already investigating, we cannot provide footage - you’ll need to request it from them.

Requesting footage from Norwich City Council

Footage is kept for up to 31 days, so make your request as soon as possible after an incident.

For car park CCTV, contact the parking team with full details (date, time, location) at parkingrequests@norwich.gov.uk.

See where cameras are located.

Requesting footage of yourself

You have the right to see footage of yourself under UK data protection laws.

You’ll only be shown footage that:

  • doesn't reveal other people’s identities
  • can be edited to protect others’ privacy without excessive cost.

We may charge a fee or refuse the request if it’s too costly.

Request access to CCTV footage of yourself

If you're dealing with a civil matter (e.g. vehicle damage, traffic incidents) and the police aren’t involved:

  • a solicitor, lawyer, barrister, or insurance company must submit a Schedule 2(5) Exemption request under the Data Protection Act 2018
  • if footage is found, a £100 fee applies before it’s released

Schedule 2(5) exemption request

If you have any queries regarding the operation of any of the council owned CCTV systems, or wish to make a complaint please email us at CCTVrequests@norwich.gov.uk

Feedback button