MORE than 100 CCTV cameras are to be installed at Scots railway stations in a major new drive to boost passenger security.

MORE than 100 CCTV cameras are to be installed at Scots railway stations in a major new drive to boost passenger security.

The £350,000 initiative, which was unveiled today, will see 23 new cameras installed in Queen Street lower level.

Apart from the Glasgow station, the third busiest in the country, 46 cameras will be fitted at Motherwell.

The rest of the 116 cameras will be fitted at Inverness. Eight CCTV Help Points will also be installed on platforms at the stations.

First ScotRail said the work would be completed by next month, when the train operator will manage a total of 3950 cameras and 441CCTV Help Points at 241 stations across Scotland.

Peter Williams, First Scot- Rail's commercial director, said of the latest investment: "We are committed to keeping our customers and staff safe.

"Passenger numbers are up but overall crime is down. We believe that CCTV has played its part in this. We'll continue to invest in station enhancements, and to deliver an even safer, more punctual and reliable railway."

Heather Battson, Transport Scotland's rail quality improvement manager, said: "We have secured a wide range of passenger benefits through the franchise for Scottish passengers and are delighted to see them implemented through safety packages like this."

The latest initiative is part of an ongoing scheme to boost passenger safety.

As the Evening Times revealed in December, 12 other stations across Glasgow and the Central Belt will have CCTV cameras installed in the next year, at a cost of £1.3million.