Rail passengers received a boost today with the launch of a £1.2m package of security and safety improvements at Thameslink stations funded by Transport for London (TfL) and Thameslink.

These improvements will enable passengers to enjoy enhanced levels of security and comfort

"The measures will provide reassurance to passengers travelling on Thameslink train services and support TfL's aim to improve London's public transport network through its £10bn, 5-year Investment Programme.

The package includes:

  • Forty-one new CCTV cameras at Elephant & Castle station, giving the station full CCTV coverage for the first time. CCTV aims to prevent real crime and reduce the perception of crime
  • Installation of enhanced CCTV at six other Thameslink stations
    A CCTV monitoring system at Elephant & Castle station (positioned in the ticket office) allowing the duty staff to monitor the station via the 41 new CCTV cameras around the station
  • Installation of Help Points with induction loops at six stations, providing immediate audio and visual link with the Thameslink CCTV control centres at Tooting, Kings Cross and Luton.

Ian Brown, Managing Director of London Rail, said: "Passenger safety is of paramount importance to TfL.

"Although not part of the TfL network, improving security on rail in London is a top priority as we want to encourage greater public transport use.

We have developed this initiative with Thameslink to provide better security and environmental improvements at stations.

"The work is part of TfL's £10bn, 5-year Investment Programme."

Mark Causebrook, Managing Director of Thameslink, said: "We greatly value the partnership with TfL on this important project.

"These improvements will enable passengers at these stations to enjoy enhanced levels of security and comfort.

"We look forward to working closely with TfL on similar initiatives in the future."

Val Shawcross, London Assembly Member, said: "Too many women feel forced to travel by car in the evening because we don't feel safe on public transport - especially on trains.

'Boost for women'

"With this major upgrading of security on overground stations in Lambeth and Southwark, I hope we can start the upward spiral of more women travelling by train and the network feeling much busier and safer."

Chief Superintendent Peter Hilton, British Transport Police said: "We are aware that personal security is one of the most important priorities for railway passengers.

"This investment by TfL in better CCTV and an improved station environment is very welcome.

"British Transport Police will be playing their full part in supporting TfL in their efforts to improve passengers' security."

Further improvements include:

  • Customer Information Systems to give up to date travel information at six stations including Elephant & Castle
  • New Auto PA tannoy system at Elephant & Castle providing consistent travel, security and safety messages
  • Improved lighting has been installed at Loughborough Junction and Mill Hill Broadway stations
  • New anti-vandal shelters will be provided at Hendon and West Hampstead which give hi-visibility shelter for passengers on platforms
  • Improved signage has been installed at Elephant & Castle and Loughborough stations providing useful information for passengers to find their destination
  • Platform seating has been installed at five stations, including Elephant & Castle
  • Environmental improvements such as anti-slip on stairs and footbridges have been made at six stations.
  • New and Enhanced CCTV Cameras and Help Points at: Elephant & Castle, Loughborough Junction, Kentish Town, West Hampstead, Hendon, Cricklewood and Mill Hill Broadway
  • Each Help Point has an induction loop feature which help deaf people who use a hearing aid or loop listener to hear sounds more clearly by cutting out background noise
  • Customer Information Systems installed at Elephant & Castle, Kentish Town, West Hampstead, Hendon, Cricklewood and Mill Hill Broadway
  • New Platform seating at Kentish Town, West Hampstead, Elephant & Castle, Cricklewood and Hendon
  • Environmental improvements have been made at Elephant & Castle, Mill Hill Broadway, Hendon, Cricklewood, West Hampstead and Kentish Town
  • New anti-vandal shelters: These are made from transparent UV stabilised polycarbonated sheeting which makes it more difficult to vandalise and is relatively easy to replace
  • For further information on Thameslink, please contact the Thameslink press office on Tel: 020 7620 5253.
  • For information on TfL, London Rail and press imagery in digital formats please contact the TfL press office on 020 7941 4141.