SECURITY cameras should be installed on pedestrian bridges over the Hume Highway after the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl on Tuesday night, according to Albury councillor Darren Cameron.

Cr Cameron, who last year led the push for CCTV plans to be drawn up for Dean Street, said the security measures were “unfortunately necessary”. 

He said because the bridges belonged to NSW Roads and Maritime Services, it was up to the authority to install the devices.

“I’m calling on the member for Albury, Greg Aplin, to ensure Roads and Maritime Services installs cameras on the approaches and middle sections of the footbridges,” Cr Cameron said.

“It’s necessary, unfortunately, due to the events that have occurred recently with the attack on the young lady.

“It would be in the interests of the RMS because it would deter graffiti as well as more serious matters like this assault.” 

The three men involved in the incident on Tuesday night — one armed with a knife — reportedly fled down Dean Street.

Police yesterday released computer-generated images of them.

Cr Cameron said modern security cameras were relatively inexpensive. 

“We have an obligation to put in place anything that helps us catch people engaged in these criminal activities,” he said. 

“The council is doing it and I believe the RMS and local member should follow suit. 

“People have got a right to feel safe in their own city.”

Natalie Millard often walks to her car in the area at night after work as a hairdresser.

She said she thought it is vital for the council to consider CCTV.

“It would deter people or at least make them think twice,” she said.

“I already found it so scary walking in this area at night before the attack.

“When it happens so close to home you realise it could happen to anyone.”

But Mr Aplin said while the attack was “very concerning for our community”, security cameras were a council responsibility.

“The government absolutely has supported the installation of cameras where councils believe they are necessary to contribute to community safety,” he said.

“Security cameras, unfortunately, act after the event, but they can be a useful tool to identify perpetrators.

“Unfortunately they don’t always prevent crime.”

Mr Aplin said previous ministers had been “very adamant camera remain a local government responsibility”.

“The question always comes back to who’s going to monitor the sites,” he said.

“That’s an issue that is live with council at the moment.”

As the owner of the bridge, Roads and Maritime Services would be happy to take part in discussions with Albury Council on the issue.