Cardiff streets lit up by digital billboards for women’s safety

DIGITAL billboards will be used to illuminate the streets of Cardiff and direct university students to “safe spaces” while walking home from nights out.

During “Freshers’ Fortnight”, which began this week, dark streets will be illuminated by 35 billboards to help young women, many of whom will be unfamiliar with the city, feel safer.

The billboards will shine a white light and display QR code links that can be scanned with a smartphone to access the Safe Places app, which lists registered places – such as local businesses – where people can seek immediate help.

Businesses that have signed up have been given training to make sure their staff are able to deal with difficult situations.

Richard Smith, general manager of the Angel Hotel in Cardiff, said: “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.”