Crime rates have fallen in London, especially in relation to domestic and sexual attacks against women, but safety, particularly at night, remains a concern for women. To address this issue the Mayor has supported the increase in police numbers and there are now more police in the capital than at any other time in history. The Mayor is also supporting his future vision for 'safer' street lighting at Capital Woman – a new low carbon light that offers twice the clarity of peripheral (side) vision at night, making people, especially women feel safer on the streets. The light emitting diode (LED) technology offers 40 per cent energy savings and has a 20 year lifespan. The Mayor wants this 'safer' lighting to be available to everyone, in our streets and parks as soon as possible.

Mayor Ken Livingstone said: “Women have the right to feel safe at any time and any place in our city. This new lighting technology will provide more light at less environmental cost as part of our campaign to make London a safer city for women at night.

'Women are a major consideration in every policy and strategy my office implements. I am proud of my office’s strong record on supporting safer travel schemes, launching London’s domestic violence strategy, subsiding childcare for the low waged and creating greater equality strategies.

“I want every woman in London to be able to access the opportunities London can offer from Cross rail to the London 2012 Olympics games. I am proud that thousands of women have attended Capital Woman today and I am determined to continue to improve life for everyone in London.”

The Mayor stressed that he wants to make all of London's public services pay more attention to women. On the Tube he has launched new priority seating signs for the first time ever asking people to consider giving their seat to pregnant women.

Source: London