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After 7/7, police are finally given radios that work on the Tube
Martin Bentham, Home Affairs Editor14.01.09
A NEW radio system which allows police and emergency services to communicate on the Tube was launched today.
The "Airwave" system will enable police, ambulance and other staff to speak to each other throughout the Underground network and help them to respond more effectively to potential terrorist attacks and other major emergencies.
Its introduction follows heavy criticism in the wake of the 7/7 London bombings about the lack of a proper communication system and continuing concern over the following years about the slow pace of its introduction. Some reports have suggested that the new system, which became fully connected late last year, is still suffering from glitches and "blank spots" where radio connections disappear. However, Home Office minister Vernon Coaker today insisted that the network was working fully as he formally launched it at Westminster Tube station.
He said: "The Airwave system plays a vital part in keeping passengers safe. It allows police officers to communicate with each other quickly and safely to ensure an effective response to any incident. The system is now fully functioning ahead of schedule, helping frontline officers build on the excellent work they already do to tackle crime."
The implementation of the system has been overseen by the Government's National Policing Improvement Agency, whose chief executive Peter Neyroud, said: "Extending Airwave to the London Underground is a major step forward in protecting the public and supporting frontline police officers."
London Mayor Boris Johnson added: "The completion of Airwave is good news for Londoners as it further increases the ability of our emergency services to operate on the Underground network."
Despite the reassurances, the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee has warned that the system "struggles" when faced with a large number of users in a concentrated area and expressed fears that it might fail to cope during major events such as the 2012 Olympics.
Reader views (2)
A sad day for London Underground workers and the travelling public.
They are now bombarded with the most aggressive form of microwave radiation technology, TETRA. Emissions are continuous, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Staff sickness levels will definitely increase, so I hope somebody will be monitoring this change.
There is a 10 year research programme (to 2018), monitoring the Police, as the effect of long-term, low-level microwave radiation from TETRA is unknown. Because of all the TETRA masts around the country, it is not just the Police who are guinea-pigs to this technology. Those of us who live near these masts are suffering the effects of something that has been allowed to function before any testing.
Read Tetrawatch, read B.Trower's Confidential Report for the Police Federation.
Then tell me its a good thing to have on the London Underground.
- Margaret Foster, London, England
Wow, that was quick.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke
