The Generalitat of Catalonia has announced a significant new security investment aimed at smaller municipalities. Consequently, it is allocating €1.3 million for the installation of license plate reading cameras. This initiative primarily targets towns that do not possess their own local police forces. Therefore, it seeks to bolster surveillance and crime prevention across the region.
On Monday, Núria Parlon, the Minister of Interior and Public Security, unveiled the funding plan. She described it as a “pilot test” designed to support localities in reducing crime figures. Moreover, the programme acknowledges the security challenges faced by the 730 municipalities in Catalonia that rely solely on the regional police force, the Mossos d’Esquadra, for law enforcement.
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Phased Rollout for Rural Security Using License Plate Reading Cameras
The investment will be distributed in two distinct phases. The first phase allocates €800,000 specifically for municipalities without a local police corps. Meanwhile, a second phase, endowed with €500,000, will subsequently open funding to municipalities that do have their own police departments.
Minister Parlon emphasised that the goal is to “ensure citizen coexistence”. Additionally, she stated it provides technological support that complements the work of Mossos agents in areas lacking a permanent local police presence. Currently, between 60 and 65 of the eligible towns have the necessary agreements in place to access the funds immediately.
The ‘Lectio’ Surveillance Network for License Plate Reading
To qualify for the subsidy, municipalities must be signatories to the ‘Lectio’ agreement with the Mossos d’Esquadra. This agreement integrates local cameras into a centralised technological platform used by the Catalan police.
The Lectio system enables the automatic reading of vehicle licence plates (LPR) in real time. By connecting local data to this central network, the government aims to create an interconnected web covering municipalities and roadways. This integration allows police to access images and data instantly. As a result, it strengthens capabilities in criminal investigation, counterterrorism, and general citizen security.
“It provides us with qualitative information for the resolution of criminal acts. It is a very powerful tool,” Parlon stated. Furthermore, she noted that the government is highly interested in ensuring all town halls eventually connect their databases to the system.
Funding Details and Eligibility for License Plate Reading Cameras
Under the new scheme, the Department of Interior will provide up to €30,000 per municipality for the installation of cameras. Additionally, the government will subsidise maintenance costs at €450 per device, covering up to three devices per town.
The acquisition and installation of these systems is available to local entities in Catalonia. The funding is retroactive, covering installations made since 1 January 2024. The call for applications will remain active throughout the first quarter of the year. In addition, territorial directors are currently working with municipalities to facilitate their inclusion in the Lectio network.
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