Introduction
Petition Number: P-06-1515
Petition title: Urgent installation of CCTV at Porth Train Station and bridge.
Text of petition: Urgently request the installation of CCTV
at Porth Train Station and the bridge that spans the train tracks.
This area has increasingly become a hotspot for antisocial
behaviour, groups of individuals bullying and intimidating young
children, passengers, and local residents. Reports have highlighted
incidents of intimidation, substance abuse, vandalism to shops and
the throwing of bricks at nearby properties.
This is creating an unsafe environment for those who live, work, or
travel in the vicinity.
Despite repeated concerns raised with law enforcement, little progress has been made in addressing the growing problem.
As a result, residents and passengers feel vulnerable and unsupported. The lack of security measures is a concern for parents, commuters and the wider community.
Installing CCTV at Porth Train Station and the bridge is a crucial
step to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents and
commuters. Visible, active CCTV systems would act as both a
deterrent to criminal behaviour and a tool for law enforcement in
identifying and prosecuting offenders.
The duty of care owed to the community is not being adequately met,
and immediate action is required to protect young children,
passengers, and residents from harm. We urge the relevant
authorities to take this matter seriously and prioritise the safety
of the community by installing CCTV as a matter of urgency.
The text provided above is submitted by the petitioner. The petitions team make every effort to ensure it preserves their authentic voice. This text has not been verified for accuracy, or errors, and may contain unverified opinions or assertions.
Mae'r testun uchod yn cael ei gyflwyno gan y deisebydd. Mae'r tîm deisebau yn gwneud pob ymdrech i sicrhau ei fod yn cadw ei lais dilys. Nid yw'r testun hwn wedi'i wirio am gywirdeb, neu wallau, a gall gynnwys barn neu honiadau heb eu gwirio.
1. Background
Porth station is located a short walk from Porth town centre and integrates bus and rail services. The new interchange, owned by Transport for Wales (TfW), was opened in January 2025. According to TfW’s website, the station is staffed part-time and has CCTV in operation.
British Transport Police (BTP) is responsible for policing on the railways while policing in the area more generally is the responsibility of South Wales Police.
In June 2024, it was reported in the media that Porth station had the joint highest (alongside Abercynon) instances of anti-social behaviour (ASB) on the Core Valley Lines network that year to date.
The Porth neighbourhood policing team lists ASB as one of its priorities. An interactive crime map on its webpages shows incidents of crime occurring around the station.
2. Welsh Government action
In his letter to the Chair dated 28 July, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates MS says that TfW is aware that the station is a location of repeated ASB and is engaging with BTP and South Wales Police. He also states “I have asked my officials to specifically raise the issues at Porth Station with the BTP in their regular meetings with them”.
He also states that there are existing “CCTV cameras at Porth station and in the Interchange building which are monitored by TfW’s security team”.
3. Welsh Parliament action
This issue does not appear to have previously been raised in the Senedd.
Every effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this briefing is correct at the time of publication. Readers should be aware that these briefings are not necessarily updated or otherwise amended to reflect subsequent changes.