RAIL bosses want to make Glasgow's Central Station safer - with 250 new CCTV cameras.

Network Rail has applied for planning permission for the massive security upgrade as part of a multi-million pound plan across Scotland's busiest stations.

The high-resolution cameras will provide blanket cover of the upper level of the station with close attention paid to trouble spots such as bike racks and entrances.

Cameras on the outside of the huge building will also cover the surrounding streets which are crime hotspots especially at weekends.

For security reasons, Network Rail declined to say exactly where the cameras will be located but said careful consideration had been given to their locations.

A spokesman said: "The cameras will be placed in areas which will be most likely to need them, such as facing on to bicycle racks, pointing at steps into the station and the immediate streets surrounding the station.

"Different types will be used and they will be placed as unobtrusively as possible."

A study by the Evening Times earlier this year showed the streets around Central Station to be the most dangerous in the city.

Of the 232 beats in Strathclyde Police's A, C, E and G divisions, the travel hub had the most violent crimes.

Serious assaults, which form part of the serious violence group and include stabbings, were also highest around Central Station.

It is hoped the new camera network will cut crime and help passengers feel safer using the station.

If planning permission is granted, the 250 cameras are planned to be installed at the end of autumn this year.

The lower level of the station is already covered by cameras supplied by FirstScotrail.

Network Rail, which deals with rail infrastructure, is in talks with Historic Scotland to minimise the impact of the cameras on the listed building.

Consumer group Passenger Focus cautiously welcomed the development but said adequate staffing levels were still necessary.

Robert Samson, passenger manager, said: "While CCTV, lighting and help points all go a long way to make passengers feel safer at stations, a staff presence is the one thing that reassures passengers.

"The safety and security of passengers is of paramount importance."

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "We are hoping this development helps cut crime in the station, protect people's belongings and make passengers feel that little bit safer when carrying out their day-to-day activities.

"The new CCTV cameras are something we welcome and hope will add to passengers' experiences at the station."

A spokesman for British Transport Police added: "CCTV remains an extremely useful tool which can act as a deterrent and a detection aid.

"It supports the operational capability of British Transport Police and provides an additional safety measure to help reassure train passengers and staff."