Westminster Expands CCTV Network with £2m Upgrade in Central London

Westminster Council is investing over £500,000 as part of a broader £2 million security upgrade to enhance safety in London's West End, including Leicester Square, Soho, and Chinatown. More than 30 new CCTV cameras will be deployed to monitor and deter crimes such as phone snatching, pickpocketing, and drug dealing, with live footage aiding the Metropolitan Police in targeting hotspots and gathering evidence. This expansion will double the existing network from 100 to 200 cameras, monitored 24/7 from a control room, and is part of the 'After Dark' strategy to make central London more attractive at night for families and tourists. The cameras will not use facial recognition technology but are designed to improve public safety in these busy tourist areas. Meanwhile, Leicester City Council is implementing 24/7 CCTV enforcement at a frequently blocked bus stop to issue fines and improve bus journey times and passenger safety. These efforts reflect a broader trend of using surveillance technology to enhance urban security and manage public spaces effectively.