Scarborough Station to enhance security with 41 new CCTV cameras
TransPennine Express upgrades surveillance for improved passenger safety
A rail company’s plan to install dozens of security cameras at a listed station in North Yorkshire has been given the green light.
Scarborough Station’s security systems will be upgraded with the installation of 41 new CCTV cameras following the approval of plans by North Yorkshire Council.
Rail operator TransPennine Express (TPE) said its listed building application aimed to “increase passengers’ sense of security when travelling by train”.
Current cameras at the station were installed more than 15 years ago and as part of the scheme, TPE said it would “make good legacy damage” from previous works.
As part of the works, 29 existing cameras positioned across all points of the station, including in the internal hall, on all four platforms, and on the external elevations of the building facing onto the forecourt and public realm, will be replaced.
Additionally, 12 new cameras will be installed on existing posts, information boards and shelters to give a visible view of the platforms.
No objections were made by the council’s conservation officer, who said: “The proposals involve rationalising the existing CCTV provision alongside installing a number of new cameras.
“The replacement of the current units is considered acceptable. In several locations, the dome-style cameras will have a reduced visual impact compared with the existing equipment. The majority of the cameras are to be mounted on modern fixings such as lamp columns, shelters and information signs.”
The officer added: “Although these will introduce additional visual elements, their placement on contemporary structures ensures that they will not harm the significance or character of the listed station.”
The new cameras will be a mix of multi-directional and dome-style cameras, which are discrete in their design and appearance and in some instances, dome-style cameras replace larger existing equipment, and have a reduced visual impact, according to a council report.
TPE leases Scarborough Railway Station from Network Rail, which owns the freehold, and the rail operator said it was “committed to enhancing the sense of safety and security of all those using or meeting trains on the TransPennine Express Franchise network”.
The application was approved by North Yorkshire Council, subject to conditions.