Operators highlight bodycam benefits

Body-worn cameras are making a significant contribution to enhancing security on UK tramways, sector professionals have reported.

Worn by front-line employees on a number of light rail networks, they are proving a valuable weapon in the fight against anti-social behaviour while reducing the number of verbal and physical assaults on staff.

During a recent meeting of the UKTram Operations Group, members heard they were also helping to identify offenders and assisting the police to launch successful prosecutions.

Steve Duckering, UKTram Operations Manager, commented: “Bodycams have been in use on a number of networks for a while now, and they have been widely welcomed by both employees and customers.

“As a group, we are now appealing to operators to come forward with examples of how the cameras have helped to protect staff and the public for a series of ‘good news’ stories to illustrate the huge contribution bodycams are making to light rail safety and security.”

The well-attended meeting in Nottingham, home to one of the operators already embracing the technology, also featured discussions around a ‘Just Culture’ approach to shared accountability within organisations, and plans are being put in place for a best practice workshop in March.

Operators also provided updates on service performance over the last few months, with city centre protests relating to the conflict in Gaza proving a challenge for many.

“We would also like to thank representatives of the RAIB who joined the meeting via Teams to provide their annual reflection of industry issues, and colleagues for collating quarterly patronage figures requested by the Department for Transport,” Steve added.