Use of live CCTV technology can help tackle the problem of cargo thefts from lorries in the European Union (EU) region, which according to a recent European Commission report costs the road transport industry around €8bn every year.

The EC’s recent transport security working document highlighted the need for better levels of security to ensure both cross border and border entry point security and safety across the region.

Security, safety and telematics service provider Cobra UK managing director Andrew Smith said that there is an immediate need to address the security of cargo, vehicles and drivers by deploying CCTV cameras in cab and load areas.

"The quality and price of CCTV technology has changed dramatically even in the past 12 months and we believe all HGVs, which travel cross border, or that carry high value or hazardous goods should have live CCTV technology installed," he said.

CCTV with real time 3G streaming can reduce road transport crime, while providing court admissible video proof against fraudulent insurance claims as they help to track the cause of a staged or genuine accident.

"There is an immediate need to address the security of cargo, vehicles and drivers by deploying CCTV cameras in cab and load areas."

"The upfront investment in the cost of the cameras featuring live streaming using low cost 3G networks will be more than recouped by prevention of a theft of, or from a vehicle," Smith noted.

According to Cobra, a video footage captured by its Global Live mobile CCTV monitoring system can be used as evidence against third parties as well as for staff training purposes.

Cobra’s Global Live CCTV system allows users to change the number and position of cameras according to the individual needs.

Cobra offers a range of telematics services to fleets, vehicle manufacturers, logistics providers and insurance companies.