Concern over radio terror response

12 April 2012

Serious concerns remain over emergency service radio communications more than two years after the July 7 London bombings, a report has said.

Delays in rolling out the technology, poor coverage and unexpected user problems could still hamper the response to a similar terrorist outrage, a review found.

Shortcomings in a £2.5 billion police digital radio system that could affect forces across England and Wales were also identified.

It emerged that the national Airwave radio contract only involves open air coverage, while reception in buildings and vehicles is not guaranteed.

A follow-up report by the London Assembly's July 7 review committee found emergency plans have improved dramatically since the 2005 bombings.

The committee said significant progress had been made since its damning report last year exposed a catalogue of failings in the chaotic aftermath of the attacks.

But two decades after the King's Cross fire, when rescuers struggled to communicate underground, police are still waiting for radios that work on the Tube network.

Richard Barnes, who chairs the committee, said more work was needed to build on the improvements.

He said: "Londoners can be reassured that despite the heroic efforts made by the emergency services on July 7 no-one is being complacent about their ability to respond to such a horrific incident.

"We particularly welcome the fact that issues raised with the committee by survivors of the bombings are being addressed for the future. Our report highlights continuing problems with Airwave that need to be tackled to ensure emergency service personnel have access to the robust and effective communications systems they need. Anything less would sell them and the Londoners they serve short."

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