CCTV Cameras Likely Mandatory in School Zones

By Hong Hye-rim

Intern

Safety video cameras are expected to be installed in all school zones starting in 2009 at the earliest, aimed at protecting children from kidnappers and other threats to their safety.

Independent lawmaker Han Sun-kyo said Monday that he has proposed a revision bill of the road transport law stipulating the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems.

There are a total of 8,429 school zones across the country, according to Han.

Under the current law, 'school zone' is defined as the area within a 300 meter radius of the gates of kindergartens and primary schools, where traffic is banned or restricted to protect children from vehicle accidents.

Recently, however, several children have been kidnapped or gone missing on their way to and from school or in apartment elevators, bringing about controversy over their apparent lack of safety, said the lawmaker, who won his 18th Assembly seat as an independent after being expelled from the candidacy of the ruling Grand National Party (GNP). He is the first legislator to have filed a law revision bill since the current Assembly started on May 30.

"The kidnapping or going missing of young people has become a serious crime in Korea, resulting in the destruction of their families," Rep. Han said, adding that the surveillance cameras would be capable of reducing such crimes as well as protecting children from traffic accidents within school zones.