A whole host of new CCTV cameras have been installed throughout one of Manchester’s busiest railway stations.
A total of 86 new CCTV cameras have been installed and are now in operation at Manchester Victoria station, it has been confirmed, as part of a wider £750,000 scheme that’s set to provide “even safer journeys” for rail customers all across the North.
It’s all because Northern has vowed to improve CCTV coverage at the city centre station, as well as at dozens of its other stations on the network.
The investment programme, as mentioned before – which was announced by Northern last year – includes more than 600 new CCTV cameras at Northern stations, and is already proving successful, as the train operator revealed that number of ‘dangerous attacks’ recorded on its trains had fallen by almost 90% within the year.
There were 69 recorded ‘dangerous attack’ incidents in 2022, but just eight of them in 2023.
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Dozens of new CCTV cameras have been installed at Manchester Victoria station / Credit: Northern
Some of these incidents included trains being struck by objects thrown from bridges, railway embankments and stations, or trains colliding with ‘substantial items’ that were deliberately placed on the track.
On top of these 600+ new cameras – including the 86 at Manchester Victoria – Northern has also installed 7,000 HD CCTV cameras on board its fleet of trains, and has invested £1.7 million in the roll-out of more than 1,000 extra body-worn camera kits to colleagues across its network – which takes the total number now in operation to 1,300.
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“We already have thousands of cameras at stations across our network and on-board our trains,” explained Craig Harrop, who is the Regional Director at Northern, following the installing of the new CCTV cameras.
“But we are adding more with this £750,000 investment to ensure customers and colleagues always feel safe.”
It’s part of a wider £750,000 scheme that’s set to provide “even safer journeys” for rail customers / Credit: Northern
Northern is also encouraging the Greater Manchester and wider northern public to report any anti-social behaviour witnessed to the British Transport Police (BTP) – with Mr Harrop adding: ” While CCTV often discourages criminal and anti-social behaviour, if offenders are caught on camera, police can also use the footage to bring them to justice.”
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Anyone who witnesses criminal activity on the railway should contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.
You can also report crimes via the BTP ‘Railway Guardian’ app online too.
Featured Image – Northern
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Greater Manchester’s heritage railway issues statement as it’s forced to cancel services this week
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway has been forced to cancel its services this weekend due to the heatwave.
In case you hadn’t heard, Amber Extreme Heat warnings and heat-health alerts have been issued by the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) through to Thursday this week – with temperatures widely exceeding 35°C nationwide, and in some areas – particularly on the south coast – potentially even reaching 38°C.
Heatwave conditions in the UK are met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold for that location.
It does seem, however, that northern parts of the country – especially the North West – are missing most of the extremely hot conditions.
Current forecasts indicate that the peak temperatures for Greater Manchester this week will be tomorrow and Thursday, with highs of 33°C in the city centre.
Despite not reaching the heights of the south, East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has still had to act in advance and has taken the decision to cancel its scheduled services for the next two days as the forecast is ‘too severe’.
Taking to social media to share its decision today, ELR wrote: “Due to the current weather warning for the UK, the decision has been taken to cancel all services on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June 2026, including the afternoon tea and mid-week luncheon dining experiences.
“The welfare of both staff and customers is paramount to the ELR, and we believe that the risk in the extreme heat that has been forecast is too severe to allow for the running of our ordinary services.”
As things stand, ELR says its current plan is to have services resume with the evening dining train on Friday 26 June, but this will still be ‘subject to review’, and further updates on this will be issued later in the week.
Visitors who have already pre-booked services over the two cancelled days will be contacted via email to have their options explained to them.
“We apologise for any inconvenience,” ELR closed out its statement.
Featured Image – ELR
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TfGM issues safety warning and advice for travelling on public transport during extreme heat wave – including ‘get off’
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has urged passengers to ‘stay safe’ when travelling as the city braces for an extreme heatwave this week.
As well as issuing some safety advice, TfGM has also warning that delays and disruption are possible across the network as temperatures climb as high as 36ºC on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Customers are being advised to carry water with them when travelling, and to wear light clothing.
Also included in the travel advice is to ‘get off’ public transport at the next stop if you feel unwell, to seek fresh air.
It’s also advised to allow more time for your journey and to check the latest information and advice before setting off.
And most importantly, passengers are asked to look out for each other, especially those who are vulnerable.
The Bee Network may experience disruption later this week as the overhead lines that power the trams and trains are often adversely affected by high temperatures.
TfGM’s Customer and Growth Director, Fran Wilkinson, said: “Very high temperatures are forecast this week that can affect both people and the transport network.
“We will have staff out to help those who need it, and I would encourage customers to take a few simple steps to stay safe and comfortable while travelling, such as by carrying water, travelling at cooler times of the day and looking out for others.
“Due to the heat, there may be some disruption to Bee Network or local train services and I would encourage people to check for the latest information and advice before making their journey.”
TfGM advice for travelling in heatwave
Carry water and drink plenty of fluids
Avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day where possible
Wear light clothing and stay in the shade
If you feel unwell while travelling, get off at the next stop and seek fresh air
Plan your journey, check for the latest information and advice before setting off and allow extra time to make your journey
Look out for other passengers who may need help, especially those who are more vulnerable
Bee Network staff will be out across the network to help passengers, who can get the latest travel information and advice by checking the website or app.
Emily Sergeant -
4th March 2024 
