Carvoeiro CCTV system awaits government green light

The installation of Carvoeiro’s long-awaited CCTV system has been virtually completed, with the network now awaiting final authorisation from the Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI) before it can begin operating.

Lagoa Municipal Council has told The Resident it expects the approval “at any moment”, meaning the system could soon become operational.

The project represents an investment of €596,184.47 and will see 22 surveillance cameras installed at key locations around the town.

The cameras have been positioned along Rua do Barranco, Rua dos Pescadores, Estrada do Farol and Largo de Carvoeiro, covering some of the area’s busiest streets and public spaces.

According to the municipality, the system is intended to assist security forces in preventing and tackling criminal or anti-social behaviour, helping make Carvoeiro “an even safer place” for both residents and visitors.

In the past, the council has described the system as “extremely important for the safety of the local population and the town’s many visitors”, defending that it is “a decisive step towards preventing and fighting criminality”.

The council also confirmed that Carvoeiro will serve as a pilot project for the wider use of CCTV across the municipality.

If the system proves successful, similar networks are expected to be rolled out in Ferragudo and Lagoa town centre.

Municipal police already on patrol

The CCTV network will complement Lagoa’s expanding local security strategy, following the launch of its municipal police force earlier this year.

The new service, which became operational in March, is headed by commander Gabriel Reis and was created to ease pressure on the GNR by dealing with everyday policing matters that affect both residents and visitors.

Its responsibilities include traffic management, illegal parking enforcement, monitoring public spaces, ensuring compliance with municipal regulations and responding to minor public order issues, allowing the GNR to focus on more serious crime and policing duties.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.