To address growing urban safety needs and enhance situational awareness in busy public areas, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) has overhauled its public space surveillance infrastructure. Serving a population of more than 180,000, the borough includes a high concentration of residential housing, major roadways, extensive parkland, and stadiums belonging to Chelsea, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers football clubs. This upgrade is aimed at reducing street-level crime and improving the borough’s capacity for coordinated public safety responses.
Upgrading legacy infrastructure
As part of its modernisation strategy, LBHF commissioned North, a UK-based smart technology solutions provider, to deliver and implement a borough-wide camera refresh. The project replaces ageing analogue systems with a network of 60 Hanwha Vision multi-sensor cameras, specifically the PNM-C34404RQPZ and PNM-9322VQP models.
The PNM-C34404RQPZ offers five channels, combining four fixed lens cameras with a PTZ module in a single unit. With resolutions of up to 4K and built-in AI analytics, these cameras allow operators to cover wide areas while maintaining image clarity. The PNM-9322VQP delivers 360-degree visibility using five sensors, achieving comprehensive coverage without additional camera poles, network cabling or server demands – a cost-effective solution for dense urban environments.
Integrated systems for wider intelligence
Beyond video surveillance, the new platform is integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including air quality sensors. This interconnected approach supports borough-wide initiatives to improve environmental conditions. For example, the system allows authorities to monitor pollution levels in real time and take action to redirect traffic during peak hours or near sensitive locations such as schools or playgrounds.
Cross-agency collaboration
Video insights gathered by the upgraded CCTV network are now accessible across council departments, shared with the neighbouring Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and made available to law enforcement agencies. This multi-agency collaboration improves the ability to manage cross-border events, from protests and football matches to emergencies, with better coordination and data sharing.
Councillor Rebecca Harvey, H&F Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety, emphasised the strategic focus of the project: “Hammersmith and Fulham is determined to deliver London’s most efficient, effective and forward-thinking video surveillance system. It is part of the proactive steps we’re taking to protect women and girls, reduce crime and make our streets safer for our residents, businesses and visitors.”
Tony Oliver, Head of Physical Security at North, added: “The investment H&F Council is making to enhance CCTV operations underlines its clear commitment to consistently improve the quality of the environment for people who live there.”
Strategic technology adoption
The deployment aligns with a broader trend in local government to adopt scalable, intelligent surveillance systems that serve multiple civic functions. Hanwha Vision’s AI-powered, multi-directional cameras are designed to reduce operational costs while enhancing usability, particularly in urban settings with high footfall and limited infrastructure capacity.
By consolidating wide-area monitoring, environmental insight and inter-agency data sharing into a single system, Hammersmith and Fulham Council demonstrates a forward-looking approach to public space management. The upgraded network is not only geared towards today’s safety demands but is also adaptable for future applications as urban pressures evolve.