Birmingham Considering $89,000 Monthly Contract for 200 Traffic Cameras with Alabama Power
Wednesday, May 20th, 2024 – In latest news on city-wide safety measures, Birmingham City Council is set to contemplate a five-year agreement with Alabama Power. This contract, costing the city approximately $89,000 per month, includes the installation, upgrades, maintenance, replacement, and utility costs for over 200 traffic cameras.
The Purpose of the Cameras
Earlier this week, during a public safety committee meeting, it was revealed that these proposed traffic cameras would feed back into Birmingham’s real time crime center. Officials from the mayor’s office have stated that this advanced public safety infrastructure is, indeed, amongst the most frequently requested improvements from both citizens and small businesses within the area.
Expansion of the Current System
If City Council members approve this proposed deal, not only will existing cameras receive upgrades, but an additional 50 camera units will be installed around the city. These new cameras are to be located in hot spots, as specified by the Birmingham Police Department. So far, the police department has not disclosed the factors that influence the decision of the placement for these cameras.
The Birmingham-Alabama Power Agreement In Context
In a similar vein, in the previous month, the city of Gadsden entered into an agreement with Alabama Power. The deal, costing Gadsden city $5,000 each month, included 15 flock cameras and one 360-dome camera.
No Access to Data for Alabama Power
In response to potential privacy concerns, Alabama Power clarified that they will not have access to any data, video, or images recorded by the cameras. The primary goal of these alignments, the utility company highlighted, is to assist local authorities in ensuring the safety of residents.
Connecting With the Public
As we await the final verdict on this proposal, Birmingham City Council continues to encourage public engagement and provide updates via their official social media platforms.
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
