Women’s safety in public spaces remains one of the most pressing social concerns in the UK today. We confront a reality in which the majority of women feel unsafe simply walking alone, especially at night. This issue transcends politics and statistics. It demands a collective response and immediate, actionable change. A new poll by Merlin Strategy suggests that the issue only getting worse.
The Reality: Women Feel Unsafe in Their Own Communities
- 75% of women report feeling unsafe walking alone at night.
- 27% do not feel safe even during daylight hours.
- Only 33% of women feel secure using public transport after dark.
- 50% of Londoners express unease using public transport at night.
These figures represent far more than numbers. They reflect a pervasive climate of fear and a failure of national infrastructure, policy, and public services to create environments where women feel secure and respected.
Causes of Insecurity: Factors That Undermine Safety
1. Inadequate Lighting and Surveillance
Poorly lit streets and insufficient CCTV coverage reduce visibility, decrease deterrence, and increase the likelihood of harassment or assault. Critical transport corridors, alleyways, and underpasses often lack proper lighting, especially in less affluent areas.
2. Low Police Presence and Slow Response Times
The reduction in visible policing and community patrols has undermined public confidence. Reports of harassment or intimidation frequently result in little to no action, leaving women feeling unheard and unprotected.
3. Harassment Culture and Normalised Threats
Catcalling, stalking, and verbal intimidation are still perceived as routine experiences by many women. These daily intrusions reinforce a hostile environment and deter women from engaging with public life confidently.
Proven Strategies for Safer Public Spaces
We cannot afford to wait for another poll or government review on Women’s Safety. The strategies below are supported by global data, community feedback, and effective case studies.
1. Street Redesign Focused on Visibility and Safety
- Install LED lighting in residential and commercial zones.
- Remove blind corners and overgrown vegetation.
- Implement 24/7 monitored CCTV in high-risk zones.
2. Mandatory Harassment Reporting Systems
- Enforce anonymous, user-friendly mobile platforms for reporting public harassment.
- Require transport providers to respond to all incidents within 48 hours.
- Mandate public data releases showing where and when harassment is reported to guide local improvements.
3. Reintroduce Localised Community Policing
- Deploy officers on foot in high-footfall areas during peak hours.
- Integrate women-focused safety officers into every local precinct.
- Collaborate with women’s safety groups for training and victim response protocols.
4. Safe Transport Options for Women at Night
- Partner with verified taxi platforms like SafeKab that offer live GPS tracking and driver ID confirmation.
- Enforce ‘Request a Stop’ options on night buses so women can disembark closer to home.
- Require female staff presence on platforms and at transport hubs during late hours.
Voices from the Ground: Women Speak Out
Thousands of women have shared their stories. Common themes emerge:
- “I always carry my keys between my fingers just in case.”
- “I fake phone calls when I feel someone is behind me.”
- “I avoid wearing headphones so I can stay alert.”
These are not signs of caution. They are symptoms of a broken system.
A Collective Responsibility: Redesigning Public Life
We call on:
- Local councils to prioritise safe infrastructure projects
- Transport authorities to implement gender-responsive scheduling and monitoring
- Lawmakers to pass concrete legislation with measurable benchmarks
- Media to platform women’s voices without sensationalism
Travel Safely with SafeKab
No one should feel threatened walking home from work, heading to a bus stop, or enjoying a night out. The streets of Britain must be places of freedom, not fear. We owe it to every woman and girl to redesign our spaces, our policies, and our culture until safety is a right, not a privilege.
Until then, we must protect ourselves and our loved ones any way we can.
SafeKab is transforming how people move around, offering reliable, fixed-fare taxis with live tracking, panic buttons, and trusted local drivers. With safety built into every ride, SafeKab provides the reassurance that someone always knows where you are.
For those moments when you’re walking alone (anywhere in the UK) the free SafeWalk feature inside the SafeKab app acts as your digital companion. It lets friends or family track your journey in real time and alerts them if anything feels off. Whether it’s a late-night walk home or a solo run, SafeWalk puts control back in your hands.
If you’re ready to stop taking risks with your personal safety, it’s time to act. Download the SafeKab app today. Use it for safe rides across Inverness and the Highlands, and let SafeWalk guide you wherever you go.
Your safety shouldn’t be a luxury. It should be the standard.
