More bus stops to get CCTV so women feel safer

CCTV cameras are to be installed at a further 15 bus shelters across London, Transport for London (TfL) says.

It is hoped this will improve passenger safety, particularly for women and girls, enabling them to "travel with confidence 24 hours a day".

The technology will be trialled for 12 months at locations with high footfall, quiet areas, high crime spots and places where people have reported feeling unsafe.

The Metropolitan Police will be able to access live footage from the cameras, which will help officers prevent and detect crime, TfL said.

The cameras, which are integrated into the shelters themselves, will retain recordings for 31 days to support police investigations.

They were first trialled at five bus shelters in the capital in March, following the introduction of night patrol officers to reassure people travelling on the network.

The cameras will now be installed at bus stops in Brent, Croydon, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Hillingdon, Lambeth, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest and Westminster.

The technology has been fitted as part of the mayor of London's pledge to improve safety for women and girls, TfL said.

Siwan Hayward, TfL’s director of security, policing and enforcement, said it was "one of many measures" being put in place.

"We want women and girls to be safe and feel safe, and for the TfL network to be a beacon of safety for everyone, day and night."

Michael Roberts, chief executive officer of London TravelWatch, said the group's research found many women and girls felt unsafe waiting for buses.

"This important and valuable trial will not only help detect crime, but will also ensure that women and girls can feel safer and more confident when travelling by bus," Ms Roberts said.

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