New CCTV at Bus Shelters in South East London to Boost Safety for Women and Girls

TfL and the Met Police have launched a 12-month trial of CCTV at bus shelters, including in South East London, to enhance safety for women and girls and make public transport more secure for all.

CCTV Trial at Bus Shelters in South East London Aims to Improve Safety for Women and Girls

Transport for London (TfL) and the Metropolitan Police have launched a 12-month trial of CCTV cameras at 20 bus shelters across London, including in Lambeth and other areas of interest to South East London residents. This initiative, coinciding with White Ribbon Day (25 November), seeks to enhance safety, particularly for women and girls, and make public transport more welcoming for all.

The trial builds on a successful test earlier this year and aims to reduce crime and improve confidence in using the bus network. By installing these cameras, TfL and the Met hope to address safety concerns in areas where women and girls have reported feeling vulnerable.

How the Trial Works

The specially designed CCTV cameras have been installed at shelters across London, including Lambeth, which serves South East London commuters. These cameras provide live footage accessible to the Metropolitan Police, aiding in crime prevention and rapid response to incidents. Recorded footage is retained for 31 days to support investigations.

TfL will evaluate customer feedback to measure the impact of these cameras on passengers’ sense of security. Based on the trial’s findings, the initiative could be expanded to other locations.

A CCTV Camera installed at a Peckham Bus Stop - Photo TFL

White Ribbon Day: Raising Awareness and Taking Action

TfL’s commitment aligns with White Ribbon Day’s mission to end male violence against women and girls. Partnering with football clubs such as Crystal Palace, TfL spreads awareness through public messaging and events. These partnerships aim to empower bystanders and encourage discussions about safety and respect.

In addition to CCTV, TfL is addressing safety concerns by conducting women’s safety audits in Lambeth and other boroughs. Over 70 audits led by local women have captured insights which are guiding TfL and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) in designing safer public spaces.

Making Public Transport Safer for All

Siwan Hayward, TfL’s Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement, emphasized the importance of CCTV in enhancing safety:

“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.”

The trial complements other TfL initiatives, such as expanding mobile coverage across the Tube and Elizabeth line, helping passengers stay connected and secure while travelling.

Voices of Support

Michael Roberts, CEO of London TravelWatch, highlighted the importance of this initiative, particularly for those who feel 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.”

Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance reinforced the commitment to creating a safer transport network that is secure and welcoming around the clock.

Safety Advice for South East London Residents

TfL and the police encourage passengers to report any incidents they witness on public transport. Reports can be made online via the Met Police or the British Transport Police’s Railway Guardian app.

As the trial unfolds, South East London’s community will play a vital role in shaping the future of this safety initiative, ensuring public transport remains a reliable and secure option for everyone.

For more information, visit TfL’s website.