Live facial recognition cameras start at Victoria Tube station on Tuesday
British Transport Police trial will run in signed areas with alternative routes for passengers
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Live facial recognition cameras will begin operating at Victoria Tube station on Tuesday, Transport for London and British Transport Police announced. The trial marks the first use of the technology on the London Underground network, following earlier deployments at mainline railway stations.
The cameras will scan passengers in designated areas, comparing faces against a police watchlist. Transport for London said the system is designed to identify individuals wanted for serious offences, including sexual violence, robbery and knife crime. Images of those not matching the watchlist will be deleted immediately, the operator confirmed.
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Trial follows earlier railway deployments
British Transport Police first announced the trial at London railway stations in February. The expansion to the Tube network is intended to assess how the technology performs in a different transport environment. The force said deployments are intelligence-led, targeting individuals wanted by police and courts, including those breaching bail conditions.
Siwan Hayward, Transport for London’s director of security, policing and enforcement, said the trial aims to help police intervene early to prevent incidents. She described the technology as a potential tool to support safety on the network, with strict safeguards in place. The trial will run in signed areas, allowing passengers to choose alternative routes.
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Everyone should be able to travel without fear of harassment, intimidation or violence. Live facial recognition has the potential to be a powerful additional tool in helping police quickly identify those wanted for high-harm offences.
Siwan Hayward, director of security, policing and enforcement at Transport for London
Chief Superintendent Chris Casey, who leads the project for British Transport Police, said the trial would help refine how the technology is used across the transport network. The Metropolitan Police previously trialled live facial recognition at the Notting Hill Carnival in 2016 and began official deployments in 2020.
Civil liberties concerns raised
Human rights groups have criticised live facial recognition technology, citing risks of misidentification and infringement on civil liberties. Transport for London said the trial is proportionate and targeted, with clear signage to inform passengers. British Transport Police confirmed that alternative routes will be available for those who wish to avoid the camera zones.
The trial at Victoria station will run for an unspecified period. Transport for London and British Transport Police have not confirmed which other Tube stations may be included in future deployments.
What happens next
The trial will continue at Victoria station, with British Transport Police assessing its effectiveness. No timeline has been given for expanding the technology to other Tube stations. Passengers can expect to see signs indicating the presence of live facial recognition cameras in the trial areas.
Questions this report answers
+Which Tube station will have live facial recognition cameras first?
Victoria Tube station will be the first to trial live facial recognition cameras, starting on 16 July 2024. The cameras will operate in signed areas, with British Transport Police overseeing the trial.
+What happens to images of people not on the police watchlist?
Transport for London said images of passengers not matching the police watchlist will be automatically and immediately deleted. The trial is designed to identify only those wanted for serious offences.
+Can passengers avoid the facial recognition cameras?
Yes, British Transport Police confirmed that alternative routes will be available for passengers who wish to avoid the signed camera zones. The trial areas will be clearly marked.
+How long will the trial last?
No end date has been announced for the trial at Victoria Tube station. Transport for London and British Transport Police have not confirmed whether other stations will be included.
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