SHOPPERS are set to enjoy safer trips to Uxbridge Town Centre following the introduction of CCTV in two multi-storey car parks.

It is hoped the new measures in The Cedars and Grainges will cut crime and the fear of crime as well as providing useful evidence when seeking convictions.

Due for completion at the end of the month, the images will be transmitted directly to the borough's CCTV control room at the Civic Centre with direct links to the Metropolitan Police.

The cost of the installation will come from surplus income from the council's Parking Revenue Account.

Philomena Bach, head of Highways Services said: "Income generated from parking revenue is used to maintain and upgrade car park facilities to benefit motorists.

"It is hoped that the CCTV coverage will help shoppers to feel safe, and repel any criminal behaviour including theft and vandalism."

Hillingdon Council is to make its Uxbridge Civic Centre car park free on Sundays.

Starting on December 16, the extra parking will be available on an experimental basis up to and including January 6 2002, after which an assessment will be carried out.