Don’t take risks, travel safer across London at night

Travel information

For your quickest route home, live travel updates and last tube and train times contact Transport for London (TfL) travel information on 020 7222 1234 or visit www.tfl.gov.uk

Taxis and minicabs

Always use a taxi or licensed minicab.  Unlicensed minicabs are uninsured and could be driven by a criminal or sex attacker.

  • Always check that the driver knows your name and destination before you get in the car. Sit in the back and carry a mobile phone
  • To receive local licensed cab numbers from TfL text ‘HOME’ to 60835
  • Check that the driver has a PCO licence disc (a round yellow disc overlaid with a white diamond) in the front and rear windscreens
  • If possible inform somebody which company has been used and the estimated time of arrival

Licensed minicab drivers, vehicles and operators can be checked against the TfL database by visiting www.tfl.gov.uk/taxis

Night buses

There are more night buses and night bus routes than ever before, all of which are fitted with CCTV. If you feel unsafe on a bus try to sit downstairs, close to the driver.

The following 24 hour bus and night routes serve Waltham Forest:

  • Route N8 – Victoria to Hainault via Oxford Circus, Liverpool Street and Leytonstone
  • Route N26 – Trafalgar Square to Chingford via Liverpool Street, Leyton and Walthamstow
  • Route 69 (24 hours) – Canning Town to Walthamstow Central via Leyton
  • Route N73 – Victoria to Walthamstow Central via Marble Arch, Kings Cross and Seven Sisters

Trains and tubes

  • When travelling on trains and tubes late at night, look for a carriage with several other passengers, preferrably not all in the same group.
  • Make sure you know the time of the last train or tube and leave plenty of time to get to the station.  

Safer travel tips

  • Try to walk with confidence, with your head up, and avoid putting your hands in your pockets
  • Don’t proclaim “I’m lost” or make other similar statements. If you are unsure of where you are going, go into a shop and ask for directions
  • Stick to well-lit areas, avoiding dark alleyways and shortcuts
  • Keep your bag close - carrying it under your arm with the straps around the shoulder. Only carry the money and valuables you need
  • Wait for buses or trains in a well lit area ideally close to other people
  • Try to avoid using cash machines late at night
  • Avoid using your mobile phone or headphones when you are alone
  • Use your common sense and trust your instincts

Safer travel at night is a ongoing campaign being led by the Mayor of London, Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police to promote safer travel across London at night.

Contact us

Sustainable Communities
Environment and Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
London E17 4JF
Tel 020 8496 3000
Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk