Notting Hill Carnival boosts security with record stewards and CCTV

This year's Notting Hill Carnival will see a record number of stewards deployed, with more than 3,000 personnel on duty. This figure doubles the typical number of stewards previously employed for the event. The enhanced staffing is part of a broader strategy to improve safety and crowd management for the carnival's 60th anniversary.

Increased Funding for Safety Measures

Carnival organisers have received a significant boost in funding, with an additional £4.6m grant from City Hall. This funding is designated for implementing increased safety and crowd control measures. Last year, the event received an emergency £1m from City Hall for similar purposes, highlighting a growing focus on public safety at the annual street parade.

The investment will support a range of new initiatives. These include a larger control room to oversee operations and the deployment of more giant signs to alert attendees to potential delays. These signs are intended to help calm crowds by providing information, similar to announcements made on public transport.

Technology Enhancements

Technological advancements are also a key feature of this year's safety plan. The number of CCTV cameras positioned along the carnival route will increase substantially, from 20 last year to approximately 90. These cameras will feed into the expanded central control room, providing greater surveillance capabilities.

Furthermore, the Metropolitan Police are expected to increase their use of live facial recognition technology during the event. This follows its deployment by two police teams at last year's carnival. Organisers state that the increased stewarding provides a physical resource for crowd managers to act upon identified issues, reducing reliance on police support for day-to-day crowd management.

Matthew Phillip, chief executive of the carnival organisers, described the changes as a "massive step-change" for the event. He noted that the increased resources and planning time, facilitated by the City Hall funding, have allowed for more comprehensive measures to be put in place. Phillip also views the funding as an investment in the carnival's contribution to the London economy.

What Happens Next

The Notting Hill Carnival is scheduled to take place on the August bank holiday weekend. Organisers have indicated that plans are now finalised, with enhanced safety and crowd management measures in place for the 60th anniversary celebration.