The installation of 300 new and upgraded CCTV cameras across the capital has been hailed by Sadiq Khan as a crucial boost for Londoners’ safety.
The cameras, which will produce higher quality images, have been fitted following a £30m investment from City Hall in full fibre coverage across London.
Footage captured by the devices will be available to the Met Police, and will be critical in helping them to identify, pursue and prosecute offenders, the mayor’s team said.
While older CCTV networks are limited by their picture quality, range and capability, it is hoped that having clearer footage will reduce any delays in police control rooms.
The installations and upgrades form part of the mayor’s ‘Connected London’ programme which seeks to improve full fibre connectivity across “hard-to-reach areas” in the capital.
The programme has also seen the installation of new sensors to monitor air quality and better monitoring of traffic congestion.
Mr Khan said: “As a thriving global city, it’s essential our capital’s digital infrastructure is kept fully updated so I’m pleased that an investment of £30m from City Hall is ramping up full fibre connectivity across London.
“New and upgraded CCTV cameras will produce sharper images that will help local authorities, TfL and crucially for the Met Police improve safety for everyone after dark and present stronger evidence in criminal trials.
“I’m committed to working with the police, partners and businesses to improve security in our transport networks, high streets, and town centres to create a safer London for everyone.”
The new cameras come after the mayor warned Londoners in November to hide their valuables and “stay alert” as organised criminals seek to capitalise on higher footfall in some of the capital’s busiest areas during the run-up to Christmas.
In May, Mr Khan announced he had set up a new Robbery Reduction Partnership, as he admitted that robbery rates in London remain at “too high” a level.
Commenting on the new and improved cameras, Met Police commander Owain Richards said: “We welcome these improvements which will give our officers the tools they need to crack down on crime and bring perpetrators to justice.
“The Met will continue to work with the mayor and partners so we can improve CCTV across the capital and ultimately make London a safer place.”
