Rayleigh High Street, located in the historic market town of Rayleigh in the Rochford District of Essex, dates back to medieval times. Known for its charming architecture, bustling local shops, and the nearby Rayleigh Mount (a Norman motte-and-bailey castle site), the area is a vibrant and well-loved part of the community.
While Rayleigh High Street maintains relatively low crime levels, the newly formed OneTeam Council recognised the potential to enhance public safety and deter antisocial behaviour through the introduction of a modern CCTV system. The goal was to create a safer, more secure environment for residents, businesses, and visitors – particularly during evenings and weekends when footfall remains high.
RMC was awarded the contract and tasked with designing and installing a discreet but highly effective CCTV network. To preserve the character of the High Street, cameras were mounted on existing street lighting columns, avoiding the need for unsightly standalone poles. The system was connected wirelessly using a network of point-to-point transmission dishes, eliminating the need for disruptive street works.
Each of the strategically places Axis cameras was also equipped with a backup 4G/5G router to ensure uninterrupted service in the event of network disruptions – a crucial feature for real-time surveillance and response.
Installation was carried out over three consecutive nights in November 2023, with zero disruption to local businesses or residents. The completed system now feeds live footage directly to the Brentwood Borough Council CCTV Control Room, where operators can proactively monitor activity on the High Street.
Through integration with the ShopSafe and Airwave radio networks, control room staff can quickly alert local businesses and police to potential issues, enabling faster response times and improved coordination.
This project showcases how smart, unobtrusive surveillance technology can support community safety without compromising the heritage and aesthetics of a historic town centre.
