Lisbon, May 7, 2026 (Lusa) – The IL (Liberal Initiative) councillor for the Lisbon city council, Vasco Anjos, said on Thursday that investing in CCTV cameras was "absolutely structural" for the city, though he gave no timeline to reach the 251-camera goal.

"We believe a CCTV network, within acceptable limits, is very positive for city management, and we will do it," he said.

The councillor, who is responsible for Smart City and Data Protection, spoke on Thursday during a remote meeting of the 8th Standing Committee of Lisbon’s city council.

Committee members questioned him about the plan to increase CCTV cameras from 96 to 251, at a cost of €18 million, and the expected installation dates.

According to Wednesday's Diário de Notícias newspaper, Lisbon's mayor, Carlos Moedas, justified the increase, citing public safety concerns, noting that some residents and visitors avoid certain areas at night.

The city has 96 CCTV cameras across various districts, and is currently installing 37 more in Restauradores and Ribeira das Naus.

"All this will link to the council's data structure, but I cannot give you timings," Anjos added.

During the hearing, he also said the city was mapping the existing cameras and creating a protocol for installing new ones to ensure they are useful to operational managers.

He described some existing cameras as "digital white elephants" installed out of "enthusiasm" that "serve no purpose at all."

The city council intends to install cameras in green spaces, such as Monsanto (the city’s large forest park), to inform decisions that improve efficiency in those areas.

MPE/LYT // ADB.

Lusa