More than 550 cameras monitor the Metro system

More than 550 cameras monitor the Tyne and Wear Metro system, which covers Tyneside and Sunderland.

The �8.5m system was officially launched by Home Officer minister Hazel Blears, during a visit to Tyneside.

Mike Parker, director general of Metro operator Nexus, said the CCTV network represented a "step change" in the provision of safety for passengers.

Nexus was awarded the cash to fund the CCTV network under the Home Office's crime reduction strategy.

The broadcast quality pictures from the system, which are admissible as evidence in court, give blanket coverage of the entire Metro network, including stations and their approaches.

It will dramatically improve our ability to detect crime and reduce the fear of crime amongst our passengers Nexus director general, Mike Parker

The system, which also covers larger bus stations and public transport interchanges, feeds into and complements the town and city centre security camera networks operated by Tyne and Wear's five local authorities.

Live pictures from the cameras are monitored by trained staff at local authority control rooms in each of the five districts of Tyne and Wear, providing greatly enhanced, comprehensive coverage of a wide area.

Fear of crime

Pictures are also recorded onto computer hard drives, making it easy for Metro security staff to pinpoint incidents and pass footage on to police.

Mike Parker said: "This new CCTV system represents a step-change in the provision of personal safety and security for passengers using Metro and major bus stations and interchanges.

"It will dramatically improve our ability to detect crime and reduce the fear of crime amongst our passengers, particularly when they realise just how much of their journey is being monitored."

Work on the system began in August 2002 and was substantially complete by October of the following year.