Request ID: FOI-1877-2324 Date published: 01 November 2023
You asked
I would like to know the number of CCTV cameras in use and operated by TfL in London. Can you present data of all cameras in use up to August 31.
I would also like to know the number per borough.
Lastly, can you give me the total for 2022 and again, per borough.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-1877-2324 Thank you for clarifying your request asking for information about TfL’s CCTV cameras.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You asked for:
We publish information on why Transport for London uses CCTV and surveillance cameras on our website: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/privacy-and-cookies/cctv.
Please see the information below and attached on the approximate numbers of CCTV cameras which TfL operates across our buildings and services:
• London Overground
Please see the attached spreadsheet.
• Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
Stations and depots: 1132 Trains: 894
We do not hold this information by borough, however a list of DLR stations/depots can be found using a basic internet search and then the borough derived from available information online.
• Elizabeth line Stations
There are a total of 749 cameras across Elizabeth line stations within London, please see the borough breakdown in the table below:
City of Westminster
199
Camden
12
Tower Hamlets
248
Newham
156
Greenwich
134
This number includes CCTV at our stations, shafts, and portals.
• TfL Buildings • Streets/Tunnels • London River Services • Victoria Coach Station • Bus Stations • Dial-a-Ride
Please see the attached spreadsheet. Our road cameras are categorised as Road CCTV, which is for the purpose of traffic monitoring and management, including cameras across the TfL Road Network (TLRN) and Deployable Enforcement Cameras (DEC). Road CCTV also includes coverage of TfL’s tunnels, and the building locations it manages including head offices, Dial-a-Ride depots, bus stations, river piers, Woolwich Ferry, Santander Cycle docking stations and Victoria Coach Station. The London Cable Car has 76 cameras across the North and South terminals, as well as cameras inside the cabins themselves. The breakdown of DECs by borough is not available due to the flexible nature of their placement. Please note, the data provided does not include numbers of Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras as these are not CCTV cameras. Cameras on Dial-a-Ride buses are used for security, passenger and driver safeguarding, and accident investigations and cannot be categorised by Borough.
• London Transport Museum
There are total of 111 cameras. Please see the breakdown by borough below:
Please see the attached spreadsheet, the data does not include London Underground trains, which cannot be categorised by borough. The majority of trains operated by London Underground have on train CCTV, which currently numbers at approximately 7,500 cameras.
• Buses
London's bus services are operated by individual bus companies on behalf of TfL. Any CCTV on London buses is the responsibility of the company that runs that particular service or route. If you require information regarding London buses please contact the relevant operator. If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal. Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
