Organisations should be more open about their ownership and use of CCTV and ANPR, according to a new draft code of conduct.

A consultation on the planned code of conduct, published on 1 March by the Home Office, says the code provides the opportunity for increasing transparency around camera use, except for those involved in covert investigation, which are covered by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.

"The aim should be to enable any individual wishing to know more about an overt surveillance camera to be able to obtain that information easily and readily, whilst the personal data itself is appropriately safeguarded," it says.

Some local authorities publish the location of CCTV covering public spaces online, and many label their cameras. However, police forces have repeatedly refused to disclose the locations of automatic numberplate recognition (ANPR) cameras, a stance that has been backed by the Information Commissioner's Office.

The consultation says the code may offer specific guidance on retention periods for ANPR images. Police forces retain the core data of all vehicles for two years, much longer than the one month retention period for many CCTV systems, or the 12 weeks for which Transport for London retains Oyster journey data.

In general, it says that authorities should consider whether their use of the technology is proportionate, with assessments of the need for camera schemes. This may include whether or not a proposed installation is "part of a developed and integrated strategy," whether there are alternative means of achieving the desired outcomes, a cost-benefit analysis and consultation with partners and the public.

The government is also planning to discuss with manufacturers and users whether it should introduce a British Standard for cameras. This would make it easier to transfer data from such systems and to produce images of sufficient quality to be useable in criminal proceedings.

"CCTV and ANPR systems play a vital role in the prevention and detection of crime. However it is important they are used in a way that does not invade law abiding people's privacy or undermine the public's confidence in them," said crime prevention minister James Brokenshire.

"That's why we are establishing this code and that's why we are asking the public what they think should be in it. Alongside this, we will appoint a new commissioner to monitor the code and ensure it is effective."

The consultation closes on 25 May.

This article is published by Guardian Professional. For updates on public sector IT, join the Government Computing Network here.