The Barcelona City Council has announced a significant expansion of its security infrastructure. Consequently, it has confirmed the installation of 26 new Barcelona surveillance cameras across two key locations in the Ciutat Vella district.
As part of a broader strategy to enhance crime prevention, the council will install 20 cameras in the iconic Plaça Reial. Additionally, a further six will be placed along the Avinguda de la Catedral. Work begins this month, with the systems expected to be fully operational by July.
Your browser does not support the video tag.Home » Surveillance Cameras in Barcelona: 26 New Units Installed in Ciutat Vella
Barcelona surveillance cameras target high-traffic areas
The new installations focus on spaces defined by the council as areas of high footfall and specific vulnerability. In Plaça Reial, the project involves a comprehensive setup. This setup covers the central open space and the interior of the surrounding arcades. Therefore, this deployment includes new support structures to ensure maximum visibility.
According to municipal sources, the technology serves a dual purpose. It increases the perceived safety of residents and visitors. Meanwhile, it also acts as a deterrent against criminal activity. The footage will assist police investigations and provide evidence for victims of crime.
A city-wide surveillance plan for Barcelona
This latest move is part of the city’s ambitious Surveillance Plan. The plan aims to bring Barcelona’s security capabilities in line with other major European capitals. Currently, the city operates approximately 160 cameras. This network began with a single installation in Plaça George Orwell in 2001.
Under the current plan, the local government intends to dramatically increase this number. By 2027, the objective is to have added 500 new cameras. This will bring the city-wide total to roughly 660 units distributed across 34 locations in every district.
Other ongoing projects include:
- Plaça Catalunya: 14 cameras are currently being installed. Work should conclude in the first quarter of this year.
- Passeig Marítim: 12 cameras are scheduled for installation between now and May.
In total, the council plans to complete the installation of 134 cameras this year alone. The focus is on the Ciutat Vella and Eixample districts.
Balancing security and rights with Barcelona surveillance cameras
The City Council has emphasised that the expanded video network complements physical police presence. The strategy combines technology with active policing. This ensures the “guarantee of rights.” The ultimate goal is to make public spaces feel safer for the citizenry.
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