AN innovative link-up of Dudley’s CCTV systems is being launched in a new £86,000 scheme which will help cut crime and improve the safety of residents.

All cameras across the borough, including the 15 existing highway cameras and 78 crime surveillance CCTVs are being put together on one system.

The merger will mean the traffic cameras, which were previously only viewed by Wolverhampton’s regional traffic control room, will now join the existing surveillance cameras already being used in the CCTV control room at Sedgley police station.

The new network link-up has been created by the council’s ICT department, and will enable council highway officers to view live footage of all the key borough roads.

Councillor Angus Adams, cabinet member for transportation, said: “I’m really pleased we have found a way to link up the systems which will bring about numerous benefits. I know it has already been of significant use to officers looking after our gritting operations during the cold weather and highways staff will now be able to keep on top of changing road conditions and incidents thanks to the live feeds they will be able to view.”

Councillor Adrian Turner, cabinet member responsible for community safety, said:“I am sure the link-up will increase public protection and reassurance and should bring efficiencies to police responses to incidents as the new images will also be relayed directly into police operational control rooms.”