Passengers asked us to make the Metro network safer, so that’s what we’re doing
New and improved CCTV cameras are being installed across the Tyne and Wear Metro network.
Nexus has confirmed that it is installing new digital CCTV cameras at stations across the Tyne and Wear Metro system as part of North East Mayor Kim McGuiness’ drive to make the system safer.
The 40 new cameras will offer state-of-the-art picture quality, which will make it easier to spot issues as they arise, as well as supporting with person identification to help with police investigations.
According to Nexus, the new technology will be vital to providing greater customer reassurance on the system, as well as helping to deter vandalism, anti-social behaviour, violence and intimidation, especially against women and girls.
The latest project builds on the £4.2million investment in 74 new CCTV cameras across Metro’s 60 stations in 2021.
North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness said: “Passengers asked us to make the Metro network safer, so that’s what we’re doing. We’re investing in more ticket barriers, better CCTV and more lighting.
“This latest investment is part of our wider plans to deter anti-social behaviour and keep our transport safe.
“Giving more people, especially women and girls, the confidence to travel on Metro, without compromising on safety.”
Erika Allen, Quality Health Safety Security and Environment (QHSSE) Director at Nexus, has expressed how vital the new CCTV cameras will be to the transport system.
She added: “We’re investing in new CCTV on Metro to improve customer safety and to deter anti-social behaviour on the system.
“Good quality CCTV is vital to reassure our customers and, if needed, support the police with crystal clear footage.
“These new cameras certainly deliver a step change in quality in terms of the clarity of the images that they can record. This builds on a major revamp of CCTV across our 60 Metro stations in 2021.
“Cameras are there to support our teams and our customers. They supplement the work that our frontline customer support teams are doing alongside the police to keep Metro safe and secure each and every day.
“Overall crime on Metro remains low but we continue to work closely with the police to deal with anti-social behaviour.
“The message is very clear - anyone who commits an offence on Metro will more than likely be caught on camera.”
So far, Hadrian Road, Meadowell, Shiremoor, Howdon and South Gosforth have all received new CCTV cameras, with installations also planned for Monument, Cullercoats and Monkseaton, as well as further work at South Gosforth.