From the busy streets of London to the quieter lanes of smaller cities, surveillance technology has become a feature of urban environments across the UK. Today, CCTV cameras are an omnipresent feature in public areas, acting as silent guardians that contribute to public safety.
This has typically brought along the debate on privacy and the feeling of being under the surveillance of an invisible eye. While most welcome the security offered by such cameras, others are wary of the implications for personal privacy and the potential overreach of surveillance powers.
What it basically comes down to, as Churchill Support Services, is that we commit to the safety and security with individual rights. And with that in mind, what we aim to deliver in this latest investigation into our surveillance series is to highlight a more balanced view about the urban surveillance of UK’s most surveilled cities.
Blog Outline
ToggleHow many CCTV cameras exist in the UK?
It’s impossible to say just how many CCTV cameras are in the UK. An exact count is impossible with the increased use of private and business security devices, including new technologies such as the doorbell camera and dashcams. Many work similarly to traditional street CCTV systems, blurring lines in our surveillance landscape.
However, despite the problems that surround it, there have been studies which ranked UK among the leaders in surveillance density. In 2015, the British Security Industry Association published findings of about 5.2 million CCTV cameras which can be estimated to be about one camera for every 13 residents. Such a ratio is stable, reflecting growths in camera numbers mirroring population increases.
Independent studies and collected research from Freedom of Information requests help further the claim of figures. The reported estimate of one camera for every 13 people is closely matched by its overall number, which stands at roughly 5.2 million cameras throughout the entire UK.
Interesting in its own right, the density of cameras is not necessarily spread evenly across the board. Small villages and towns usually rely significantly on private security cameras or small, localized networks while larger cities have really high-density surveillance networks.
We will review city and borough council data to give an idea of which of these are the most watched places in the UK.
The 15 Most Monitored Cities In The UK
We explore how the 15 most surveilled cities across the UK compare to the largest and most prominent locations nationwide.
15. Nottingham
Roughly 25,484 City Wide CCTV Cameras
The Nottingham combines the mythic folklore of Robin Hood and contemporary recognition of its football tradition. The city contains architectural buildings from the time of the Tudors with majesty of Exchange Arcade as well.
Not that Nottingham is one of the most surveilled cities in the UK, and yet there are no more than 25,484 CCTV cameras, and only some quarter of these are in control of the city itself. Most of this gigantic system is for fighting an increasingly rising crime rate about 125.3 per 1000 people.
14. Wakefield
About 26,456 CCTV Cameras City-Wide
Wakefield is the transformed vibrant representative of life in West Yorkshire with cultures blended with commerce. It holds a Theatre Royal and the liveliest markets of residents and tourists.
About 26,456 CCTV cameras support its dynamic growth, underlining its critical surveillance infrastructure aligned to local entrepreneurs’ security concerns.
13. Coventry
Approximately 26,563 CCTV Cameras Across the City
Coventry is characterized by diverse architectural designs, ranging from modern structures like the Whittle Arch to historical buildings including the cathedral. Plans are underway for further development; hence, it is clear that the city will continuously evolve.
This growth comes with advanced surveillance, evident from the 26,563 CCTV cameras installed around the city, including 273 that were operated by the local council. All this is aimed at reducing the crime rate of the city at a level of 110.7 crimes per 1000 residents.
12. Leicester
About 27,492 CCTV Cameras City-Wide
Leicester is over 2000 years old and thus became a flourishing city in view of its cultural, business, and sporting importance.
There is a cost to preserving security in such a happening city. Leicester is already under the surveillance of as many as 27,492 CCTV cameras, wherein 468 are controlled by the city council, addressing the growing trend of localized crime and civil unrest in the city.
11. Cardiff
Approximately 27,870 CCTV Cameras City-Wide
Cardiff is the bustling Welsh capital known for its historical streets and picturesque Bay area, which makes it a great place to live. The population is now nearly 359,000.
The population of this city is increasing, so the numbers of surveillance increased nearly 27,870 CCTV cameras, over one thousand of which are installed and operational by the city council itself, hence Cardiff being ranked as one of the major players in urban UK surveillance.
10. Bristol
Around 35,931 City-Wide CCTV Cameras
Bristol is an important city during Britain’s Industrial Revolution period, but it still remains an important center of students and tourists due to its renowned universities and huge Temple Meads station. The city still maintains links with the past through structures like the cathedral and Cabot Tower. On the surveillance side, a conservative estimate indicates that Bristol hosts 35,931 CCTV cameras while 1,274 cameras are managed by the local council. This broad network combats the city’s high crime rate that stands at 97.7 per 1,000 population.
9. Liverpool
Approximately 38,214 CCTV Cameras City-Wide
With vibrant nightlife, museums, and sporting grounds, Liverpool on Merseyside’s coast offers the full urban experience. Still, for those who seek to avoid it, there are the 38,214 city-wide CCTV cameras: of which 1,495 are operated by the local council, rendering Liverpool one of the most surveilled cities in light of increasing crime.
8. Edinburgh
Approximately 40,498 City-Wide CCTV Cameras
As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh strikes a balance between historical beauty and modern needs. The roads-from cobblestoned streets to tree-lined avenues going to Arthur’s Seat and the castle-have the view of about 40,498 CCTV cameras, directly managed by local authorities on 205 of them. This combination helps maintain the relatively low crime rate at 61.6 per 1,000 residents.
7. Bradford
Approximately 41,306 CCTV Cameras City-Wide
Bradford is the UK’s City of Culture in 2025. This vibrant melting pot of cultures and industries has given much to film, music, and sports. With an enhanced national profile, Bradford needs robust surveillance; the approximate 41,306 CCTV cameras installed would be advantageous. Over 400 are under public management and contribute to the reduction of crime and making the city safer.
6. Manchester
About 42,556 CCTV Cameras City-Wide
Manchester, sometimes referred to as the UK’s “second city,” is a strong hub for British music, sports, and industry. There are an estimated 42,556 CCTV cameras scanning the city, with 1,195 governed by the city council, providing approximately 2.8% of the total number. This blanket surveillance will prove invaluable in keeping an eye on Manchester’s crime levels, which currently stand at 180.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, both being an expression of the dynamism of activity within the city and security-related issues.
5. Sheffield
Approximately 44,925 CCTV Cameras City-Wide
Sheffield, a major city nestled in the vast county of Yorkshire, blends traditional countryside with the vibrant pace of city life. Known for its significant cultural sites and academic institutions, Sheffield attracts many to its diverse attractions and academic halls.
The city’s extensive use of surveillance technologies, featuring around 44,925 CCTV cameras, of which only a minor fraction is managed by the local council, comes as a response to recent increases in local crime rates, highlighting the challenges in balancing safety and privacy.
4. Glasgow
Approximately 48,856 CCTV Cameras City-Wide
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is celebrated for its dynamic urban scenery and cultural richness. Despite battling stereotypes about safety, Glasgow’s efforts in public security are robust, with nearly 48,856 CCTV units installed across its sprawl.
A significant portion of these cameras are operated by municipal authorities, aimed at curtailing the city’s high violent crime rates. Glasgow’s approach underscores a commitment to safety, blending modern surveillance with civic enhancement.
3. Leeds
Approximately 60,963 CCTV Cameras City-Wide
Leeds serves as a pivotal northern economic and cultural nexus, distinct for its blend of green spaces and urban density. The city’s use of 60,963 CCTV cameras reflects its proactive stance on public safety.
Despite its serene appearance, Leeds grapples with rising crime rates, necessitating an extensive network of cameras, including those managed by local government, to foster a sense of security among its residents and visitors.
2. Birmingham
Approximately 88,384 CCTV Cameras City-Wide
As a central hub in the UK, Birmingham is experiencing a dynamic phase of growth and redevelopment. With a population only second to London, its public spaces are heavily monitored with 88,384 CCTV cameras.
The city’s strategic use of surveillance is part of a broader initiative to address public safety and enhance urban living, reflecting a city in transformation eager to secure its status as a safe, thriving metropolis.
1. London
Approximately 690,923 CCTV Cameras City-Wide
London, the iconic capital of the UK, is a tapestry of history, culture, and innovation. Not surprisingly, it is also the most watched city, with an astounding 690,923 CCTV cameras.
The city’s extensive network includes a vast array of public and police-operated cameras, underscoring a massive effort to ensure safety and security in one of the world’s most vibrant urban centers.
Surveillance Across London’s Boroughs
In the vast urban sprawl of London, surveillance cameras are a common sight, with a total of 20,873 public CCTV cameras distributed across various boroughs. Here’s a closer look at some of the areas with the highest numbers:
- Hillingdon boasts 2,328 CCTV cameras, making it one of the most monitored boroughs.
- Hammersmith & Fulham follows with 1,852 cameras, surveilling busy streets and vibrant locales.
- Wandsworth maintains a safer environment with 1,252 cameras.
- City of London, the financial heart of the metropolis, has 1,100 cameras strategically placed.
- Enfield rounds out this list with 1,053 cameras, helping secure both residential and commercial zones.
Top 5 Monitored Stations on the London Underground
The London Underground, a lifeline for commuters, also ranks high in surveillance:
- King’s Cross & St. Pancras station leads with 408 CCTV cameras, likely due to its size and the volume of passengers it handles.
- Oxford Circus, central to retail and business, is watched by 309 cameras.
- Waterloo station, another major hub, has 303 cameras.
- Green Park station, near major tourist attractions, is equipped with 210 cameras.
- Elephant & Castle features 190 cameras, covering this busy transit and residential area.
The Role of CCTV in Combating Crime
The overarching presence of CCTV across London aims to mitigate crime, with the city recording an overall crime rate of 114 crimes per 1,000 residents. The strategic placement of cameras across the city and particularly in high-risk areas reflects a proactive approach to maintaining safety and deterring criminal activities as we advance further into the year.