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Bin lorries to get CCTV cameras after Glasgow tragedy

Harry Clarke, the driver in the Glasgow bin lorry crash
Harry Clarke, the driver in the Glasgow bin lorry crash

Although the Glasgow crash was caught on CCTV from surrounding buildings, no cameras were fitted to the truck driven by Harry Clarke.

The 59-year-old fell unconscious at the wheel, causing it to veer out of control, killing six people and injuring 17 others.

After the December 2014 incident the lack of available CCTV footage from inside the cabin was seen as an obstacle to discovering exactly what happened.

Now several local authorities – including Glasgow City Council – are fitting 360 degree cameras in their bin lorries.

One insider at Glasgow City Chambers said: “The lack of CCTV cover has been a cause of concern for some time.

“This won’t bring back the lives that have been lost but it will provide a means for examining any future events.”

Our source added that the cameras could also be used to quell disputes over uncollected bins, damaged cars and missed routes.

He said: “Indisputable footage can be a very valuable tool when it comes to fighting a battle with an irate complainer.”

Although fitting CCTV to bin lorries was not a key recommendation of last year’s inquiry into the crash, a number of councils have cited the tragic events that occurred in George Square as a factor in their decisions to install them.

Stirling Council said CCTV cameras will be fitted to every bin lorry in its fleet.

Shetland Council said it is looking into installing them at the request of drivers, while West Dunbartonshire confirmed it is developing plans to install 360 degree CCTV cameras to all large council-owned goods vehicles.

Renfrewshire Council has ordered a review of all its heavy good lorries.

A spokesman said: “We’ve been working for some time directly with manufacturers of heavy vehicles.

“Their engineers and scientists are looking to develop and improve technical systems, such as automatic braking systems.”

Renfrewshire also confirmed its drivers will now face a rigorous medical and further health checks will be made with new applicants’ GPs.

Glasgow City Council, who was heavily criticised following the fatal accident inquiry, confirmed it has launched a pilot scheme.

A spokeswoman said: “We have fitted CCTV on some of our vehicles, primarily to help protect the council from any claims of damage to property as well as assist in our route risk assessments.”

South Lanarkshire Council confirmed it would be fitting CCTV to its trucks.

A number of other councils, including Moray, Scottish Borders, West Lothian, North Ayrshire and Midlothian, said their bin lorries were already adequately equipped.

Edinburgh City Council said its bin lorries are fitted with technology to protect cyclists but it could not comment on whether there are imminent plans to fit cameras.

Tayside, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Council did not respond when asked about their plans.

Last week lawyers seeking to bring a private prosecution against Harry Clarke launched legal action at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Advocate Dorothy Bain QC, represented the families of Jack Sweeney, 68, his wife Lorraine, 69, and their 18-year-old granddaughter Erin McQuade, all of Dumbarton.

The family and three other people, Jacqueline Morton, 51, and Stephenie Tait, both from Glasgow, as well as Gillian Ewing, 52, of Edinburgh, also died.


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