Digital billboards help to make the streets a safer place
CAMPAIGN has been launched in Cardiff to illuminate dark streets and help women who feel unsafe.
From Tuesday, 35 digital billboards have been lit up in the capital and high-footfall student areas as part of a new initiative to help people feel safer at night.
The FOR A Safer Cardiff initiative, launched by Business Improvement District group FOR Cardiff, will run for the duration of Fresher’s Fortnight, September 20 to October 4, in anticipation of young female students walking through the city at night, with many unfamiliar with the area.
The project has been welcomed by students across the city, including final-year physiotherapy student at Cardiff University Jemma Shand, 22, who said: “During 2019 Freshers’ Fortnight, one of my friends was walking alone on the way back to her halls of residence and got followed by a stranger. At one point, the person caught up with her and touched her inappropriately.
“I hated walking by myself in Freshers’ Fortnight, and I still don’t like it two years on, even though that person was arrested.
“Knowing that these billboards are there shining light on dark streets and have QR codes to find Safe Places makes me more confident when walking in Cardiff at night.”
The digital screens – including sites on City Road, North Road and Tresillion Way – will include a QR code that links to the Safe Places app, where users can access and identify the network of open doors available to them on their route home.
FOR Cardiff has worked in partnership with businesses across the city to transform them into “Safe Places” and is calling on more to join the network. Once businesses are signed up as a Safe Place, they will be added to the Safe Places app.
Registered businesses can be identified by a window sticker and are listed on the FOR A Safer Cardiff website.
The scheme will continue to run beyond Freshers’ Fortnight, and businesses can apply through the FOR A Safer Cardiff website.
Businesses which have signed up as a Safe Place have been given support and training to ensure staff can effectively handle difficult situations.
The campaign comes after a recent report by The Guardian found 80% of women in the UK said they had been sexually harassed in public spaces.
The Angel Hotel in Cardiff was one of the first to announce it would be opening its doors to anyone requiring immediate refuge in the city centre after the tragic murder of Sarah Everard in March 2021 – and is now an official member of the scheme.
General manager of the Angel Hotel, Richard Smith, said: “With the reopening of indoor hospitality, we have seen a lot of people come through our doors seeking refuge, with many being young women who feel at risk. Whether someone has run out of money and needs a safe ride home, or they’re feeling vulnerable or unsafe in any way, we’re here to help.
“Along with FOR Cardiff’s Night
Marshals, the Safe Places initiative is something that will make Cardiff a safer place for all.”
Adrian Field, executive director of FOR Cardiff, said: “Our ambition is to make Cardiff a city where women feel confident and welcome when walking through the capital, night or day.
“With Cardiff’s businesses registering to be a Safe Place, we can do our bit to create a safer and more welcoming environment for all who live, work or visit Cardiff city centre.”
He added: “We believe that Wales and its capital city has a responsibility to lead the way in creating a safer environment for women in the city.”
■ To download the Safe Places app or to find out more about how a Cardiff-based business can register to be a Safe Place, visit: www. FORASaferCardiff.com.