Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

The council is asking volunteers to place a ‘traffic monitoring’ device on the inside of their windows as part of the Caerphilly Town 2035 placemaking plan.

The pilot scheme aims to record the number of pedestrians, bikes, and cars, which pass through Caerphilly town to better understand movement in and around the area.

This will be the next step in the project, which has already seen the creation of Ffos Caerffili, and ongoing work led by Cadw to improve visitor facilities at Caerphilly Castle.

Other plans include the regeneration of Pentrebane Street, a new “interchange” to replace the existing bus and railway stations, and a cultural centre.

For now though, the council is asking people with homes or businesses in the town to place a small device on their window to monitor traffic.

Hamish Munro, placemaking programme manager at the council, said: “Road users will be counted anonymously, and no identifiable images or videos are saved or transferred from the devices.  

“The devices are small, discreet, and will not store any personal or private information from its host or the people it counts – including ANPR data and faces, neither of which the device can read.  

“The pilot scheme is being conducted across three areas within Caerphilly town. If you live or work in one of the areas outlined in the map below, the team leading on the project would like to hear from you.” 

The council has outlined several ‘technical requirements’ however, which include:

• A clear view (no curtains, no shutters, no big trees etc), of the street 
• First/second floor positioning so that there is a good vantage point 
• Not too far from the street (max 15m)
• The camera needs to be aimed at the middle of the road 
• Not near traffic lights or junctions 
• No movement not related to traffic (e.g., banners, signs or flags) 
• Have power from a nearby socket 

Cllr Jamie Pritchard, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “In order to develop proposals for the future of the town centre, assessing movements in the town will be a key part of the evidence base.  

“We need to consider key questions, such as is the town too traffic-heavy? Could there be consideration given to making the town more pedestrian-friendly? Do the current traffic arrangements allow the town to reach its full potential?  

“We need to engage with our residents about the best ways forward. 

“The information we gather will help us create a more sustainable, safe and accessible town for everyone to enjoy.” 

Volunteers interested in joining in are asked to contact Wilf Meaden at caerphilly@telraam.net or call 01179157687.