CCTV cameras have been installed at 20 London bus shelters to help combat crime and improve safety.

The 12-month trial, launched on November 25, is a joint initiative by Transport for London (TfL) and the Metropolitan Police.

It aims to enhance passenger safety, with a particular focus on women and girls, ensuring they can travel confidently at all times.

The trial is part of a larger effort by TfL to make the entire transport network safe and welcoming for both staff and passengers.

The introduction of CCTV is a step towards fulfilling the Mayor's commitment to increase security measures at bus shelters.

The technology was tested in five bus shelters in March and has now been expanded to 15 additional locations.

The areas chosen include Brent, Croydon, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hillingdon, Lambeth, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, and Westminster.

These locations were selected to provide comprehensive coverage across London and gauge the effectiveness of CCTV in different areas, including busy areas with high footfall, quieter areas with less frequent bus services, higher crime areas, and places where women and girls have reported feeling unsafe.

The footage from the cameras will be available to the Metropolitan Police to help prevent and investigate crime and improve incident response.

Only the police will have access to this footage, which will be retained for 31 days to support investigations.

Feedback will also be gathered from customers and stakeholders throughout the trial to assess the feeling of safety and security for bus network users.

TfL's director of security, policing and enforcement, Siwan Hayward, said: "At TfL, we are committed to playing our full part in ending violence against women and girls.

"We want women and girls to be safe and feel safe, and for the TfL network to be a beacon of safety for everyone, day and night.

"CCTV plays a crucial role in both preventing crime and antisocial behaviour and investigating incidents.

"We know the presence of CCTV and other security measures improves confidence to travel and use public transport, which is why we are expanding our already extensive CCTV network."

Deputy mayor for transport, Seb Dance, said: "Everyone deserves to feel safe and be safe at all times when travelling around London and it is the Mayor’s top priority to ensure the transport network is a safe and low-crime environment.

"That’s why I welcome this trial of CCTV at bus shelters, which will improve safety for women and girls and ensure they can travel with confidence.

"Increased CCTV will help to ensure the network is secure and welcoming round the clock, supporting the Mayor’s aim to continue building a safer London for everyone."

Met commander, Ben Russell, said: "The Met is determined to make London safer, working with our partners to ensure every woman and girl feels safe in the city they call home.

"This pilot will help protect women and girls, meaning they can enjoy safer spaces across the capital.

"It also aims to help us bring more dangerous predators to justice, with CCTV being used as a key tool as part of our investigations."

Michael Roberts, CEO of London TravelWatch, said: "London TravelWatch research tells us that many people can feel unsafe when waiting for buses, particularly women and girls.

"This important and valuable trial will not only help detect crime, but will also ensure that women and girls can feel safer and more confident when travelling by bus.

"We look forward to seeing the results of this pilot and for further initiatives to improve safety on London transport."