Shoppers not thrilled about CCTV cameras in public toilets

Members of the public are being filmed in a public toilet in Lewisham, south east London. CCTV cameras are in place next to the urinals and cubicles in the toilets of Lewisham Shopping Centre on Molesworth Street. Orpington man Simon Barnshaw, 50, who works in Catford was using the toilets next to Poundland on March 17 when he made the discovery. He said: "I've washed my hands, looked up, then I saw a camera behind me, right next to the door, watching me. It might be for drug dealers but these are public toilets. I don't think you should have a camera in the toilet, I don't mind the one by the basin or by the door but not in the facility. It's embarrassing for people, you can't even have any privacy in a toilet."



Mr Barnshaw has now lodged an official complaint with Lewisham Council about the cameras. Installing CCTV cameras is legal but should only be used to deal with very serious concerns and positioned in places to cause as little intrusion as possible. Cameras must also be clearly signposted, which they are at the shopping centre. Big Brother Watch chief executive Renate Sampson said: "Putting CCTV cameras in public toilets is a gross invasion into the public's privacy. The public have an expectation of privacy in toilets and in changing rooms. That expectation is highlighted in the data protection act which is very clear that CCTV cameras in toilets should only be used in exceptional circumstances and to deal with very serious concerns."

A spokeswoman for Land Securities said the cameras were installed to prevent anti-social behaviour and only film the tops of cubicles. Gordon Collins, 58, of Eltham said: "It's only a bad thing if you're up to no good, I've just used them now. I've got nothing to hide but I know a few people that don't like it." But Jody Painter, 32, of Catford did not share Mr Collins' feelings. She said: "That's bad, you can't do that. I'm sorry but if a young kid was going to the toilet and you've got a sick person who's watching that then that's wrong. You might as well have a camera in your bathroom, that's disgusting." Meshea Bailey, 35, of Lewisham shared these views. She said: "I think it's a bit over the top. You wouldn't want that in the toilet, you've got your kids in there and even yourself."



And Georgia Provok, 39, of Surrey Quays was appalled to learn about the cameras. She said: "That's invading my privacy, I've used those toilets very occasionally but I would never use them now. I can't understand, that's a place where I show my private parts. It should be made clear exactly where the cameras are, it's okay if they're just by the door or by the basins but that should be made clear, the signs aren't big enough. I know they're there to prevent crime but why not have a barrier where people pay to use the toilets instead? If I'd just used those toilets now then I'd be making an official complaint, more people need to know about this."