London sets facial recognition cameras on main street

London will deploy live facial recognition cameras on its busiest shopping street. Mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed the plan for Oxford Street. Police aim to curb crime in high footfall areas. The move brings permanent surveillance to top retail hubs.

The Metropolitan Police plan to install the tech by winter. Fixed cameras will sit on street poles across the West End. The system scans faces in real time against police watchlists. Officers can stop suspects fast in busy public spaces.

Oxford Street is set to become pedestrian only soon. City Hall wants to add new security tools during this change. Khan said police will work with local developers on the rollout. The goal is to make the area safe for all shoppers and visitors.

Crime rates in Westminster remain a main concern for police. Officials state the tech will help officers track dangerous suspects. Over fourteen thousand fewer crimes occurred in the area last year. City leaders want to drive those numbers down even more.

Officers will also use e-bikes and drones to patrol streets. The police force gets extra funds from City Hall to test new tools. Officials say the goal is to build a safer city for everyone.

However, human rights groups strongly oppose the new cameras. Campaigners say scanning all shoppers is a huge privacy breach. Everyone who walks by will have their face scanned by the system. Rights groups say face scans are as personal as fingerprints.

Activists warn that the software can make errors on dark skin tones. They want ministers to set clear national rules before cameras go live. Public polls show nearly half of voters oppose high street facial scans.

Police say the new cameras will help make the city much safer. The mayor promised full clarity on how the tech will run. City Hall will check the work of police to protect public trust.

The legal team at City Hall will review all privacy safeguards. Civil rights leaders demand strict limits on how data gets used. They ask police to pause the plan until Parliament acts.

Police forces in other UK cities are watching the London test closely. If the system works well, more towns may add fixed cameras soon. Business owners hope the added security will bring back retail visitors.

Store owners report high rates of shoplifting and street theft each week. Retail groups welcome more tools to keep customers and staff safe. They say crime hurts local trade and drives costs up for shoppers.

The debate highlights the balance between safety and personal freedom. City leaders plan to press ahead with the tech this year. Public checks will continue as the first cameras go live on Oxford Street.