Camden News: Jack Duval | CCTV | Abbey Road | Camera | Westminster Council

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Camden News - by TOM FOOT
Published: 31 December 2008

Jack Duval

CCTV camera was switched off when Jack died in crash tragedy

THE last seconds of a 10-year-old’s life will forever remain a mystery after Westminster Council confirmed a CCTV camera monitoring the spot where Jack Duval died in a car crash tragedy was not switched on at the time.
The council said the camera in Abbey Road, West Hampstead, switches itself off at night because parking restrictions do not apply at that time.
Jack, a pupil of Primrose Hill primary school, was killed by a car at the junction of Abbey Road and Springfield Road at 8.30pm on November 4.
Traders said the CCTV camera should be used to deter crime and catch criminals and not be used simply as a cash-raising device.
Councillor Danny Chalkley, Westminster City Council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “Whether or not the camera was used for traffic enforcement or anti-social behaviour could not have prevented this very tragic death.
“By all means, let’s have a debate about the use of the cameras, but I find it both distasteful and disrespectful for anybody to use this tragedy to open the debate in such a misleading and emotive manner.”

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: