CCTV cameras have been installed at the Broadway interface in West/South Belfast in an attempt to to tackle anti-social behaviour, including incidents of sectarian stone-throwing.
The area has been a hotspot for anti-social behaviour over the past number of years.
In June, the PSNI published a report citing a bill of more than half a million pounds for policing the area over the course of a single year. Police spent 9,407 hours dealing with 730 incidents flagged to police over 12 months, amounting to a total of £587,749 with additional costs for damaged property.
The PSNI said the CCTV cameras are “just one of the problem-solving measures” being supported by the Policing Community and Safety Partnership for the area.
Superintendent Finola Dornan said: “These CCTV cameras are just one part of ongoing efforts to prevent harm on this busy road intersection. Having listened to the views of the local community, we hope these cameras will provide reassurance while also increasing our ability to identify those responsible and hold them to account.
“We are committed to playing our part in the ongoing partnership work led by the Policing and Community Safety Partnership to address underlying causation factors and to find solutions which will last.”
The CCTV installation has been welcomed by local political representatives.
Sinn Féin Councillor Ciarán Beattie said: "Sinn Féin has been working with a range of multi-agency partners over recent months to secure investment and action to tackle and prevent anti-social behaviour and serious incidents at Broadway Roundabout.
"The installation of these CCTV cameras is a significant step forward and was one of the key actions identified through the multi-agency initiative led by Paul Maskey MP last year.
"Local youth providers and community safety volunteers have also been doing vital work with young people in the area and continue to maintain a visible presence to help deter anti-social behaviour.
"We will continue working with residents, community organisations, statutory agencies and the PSNI to ensure these measures are effective and that people living in the area feel safe in their community."
DUP councillor Tracy Kelly said: "There has been a lot of work behind the scenes with Edwin Poots MLA, Greater Village Regeneration Trust and PCSP to get this secured.
"I hope this will ease residents, staff in Royal Victoria Hospital and drivers' concerns who have absolutely been tortured with anti-social behaviour when kids from all over congregate here.
"No one wants to see any child lose a life at these interfaces. I really hope they listen and stay away
"The cameras are being monitored by the PSNI 24/7."
