3G Network Used to Backhaul CCTV to Control Centre

London's public transport authority, TfL has launched a security camera trial on some of its buses which will transmit live images back to a central control centre. The network is being provided by 21st Century CCTV and will rely on a 3G network for the backhaul from the buses to the control centre.

Operators, working directly alongside officers from the Metropolitan Police, will be able to view any of the cameras on the bus and direct police officers to the scene if required. The trial will monitor and analyse the use of the technology to decide whether it can help deal with incidents on buses more effectively.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "I want our public transport to become world renowned for its safety. And I am determined to banish the sad minority of hoodlums and trouble makers that have blighted our buses. Having the facility to access live pictures from buses traveling around the capital will mean we can play a far more effective role in sending police officers to sort out troublemakers. If this trial is successful then we will consider rolling out the system on other routes as part of our campaign to stamp out the casual disorder that led to a culture of fear on public transport."

Andy Thompson, Performance Manager at London Buses, said: "We know this technology works, and now we are going to test its application to the London bus network. While crime is low on London buses, we know there is more to do, which is why we are always looking at ways to improve safety, and our passengersÃ' perception of safety, while they travel on our network."

Transport for London will carry out an evaluation of the trial with Professor Martin Gill (a leading national expert in CCTV), and will report back to the Mayor with their recommendations in June next year.

Every London bus currently has a CCTV system installed that records images, which can be downloaded on request. This has proved an invaluable policing tool and, for example, has led to a tripling of the arrest rate for criminal damage on buses in the capital.

There are 60,000 CCTV cameras operating on the 8,000 London buses, and over 650 requests every month for images to be downloaded by the police.

Posted to the site on 22nd October 2008