Andorra Parish Consuls Target December 1 for Traffic Agent Body Cameras

Andorra's parish consuls remain committed to equipping traffic agents with body cameras, but Ordino has distanced itself from the December 1 activation target set by peers in Andorra la Vella and Sant Julià de Lòria.

Ordino's deputy consul, Eduard Betriu, stated on Thursday that his parish will strictly adhere to legal requirements and anticipates the same from other communes. "No one can go against the law, and especially not administrations," he said, expressing confidence in a favorable review from the National Videovigilance Commission. While acknowledging urgency amid daily incidents, Betriu targeted implementation between late 2026 and early 2027, rather than tying it to a fixed December date.

The split emerged after Tuesday's meeting in Andorra la Vella, where consuls Sergi González and Cerni Cairat voiced determination to begin operations in December as leverage on the Interior Ministry. González emphasized avoiding oversteps but noted time pressures. Betriu aligned Ordino with the shared safety goals—for agent protection and evidence collection during high-risk periods like winter festivals and ski season—while urging the government to prioritize regulations over disputes. He called for adjustments to restore coherence among administrations and avoid unnecessary controversy.

Communications Minister Guillem Casal, speaking at Wednesday's post-Council of Ministers press conference, reiterated that no deadline can bypass public safety laws. The apolitical commission—drawing from the Data Protection Agency (APDA), a judge, and communes—will reconvene by month's end to evaluate proposals, including videovigilance protocols and impact assessments still pending in several parishes.

Parishes like Andorra la Vella, Sant Julià de Lòria (with about five units purchased), and Canillo (following a summer trial) have acquired devices. The APDA supports the technology for accountability if standards are met, viewing the December goal as aspirational. Casal affirmed executive backing, including potential legislative tweaks, but stressed procedural compliance to balance safety and data protection.