The number of surveillance cameras in Brussels metro stations has increased by 60.4% in a decade. These figures were presented during a parliamentary debate on escalating drug-related violence.
Brussels public transport operator STIB has seen the number of surveillance cameras placed in public areas of metro stations – such as the ticketing hall and on platforms – rise from 2,478 to 3,976 between 2015 and 2024.
Over 1,400 additional cameras are placed in tunnels and underground infrastructure and areas not accessible to the public, according to figures from Brussels Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt (Groen). This brings the total number of cameras to 5,370, not including the devices on board STIB vehicles.
These figures were shared by Minister-President Rudi Vervoort (PS) on Friday during a parliamentary debate on the security challenges posed by drug-related armed violence.
Manhunt in tunnels
A series of shootings in Brussels last week left the region on tenterhooks. The first of four shootings took place at Anderlecht's Clémenceau metro station on Wednesday 5 February. The network suffered disruption as two men armed with Kalashnikovs fled the police via the metro tunnel after shooting outside the station.
The images from the STIB cameras were immediately available to the public transport company's security staff and also shared with the railway police in real-time.
Police pictured outside the Clémenceau metro station, which was closed off after a shooting on Wednesday morning. Credit: Belga / James Arthur Gekiere
The Regional Crisis Centre also has direct access to the images, as do the police zones via the regional video platform of safe.brussels. They can also be requested as part of police investigations. During the shooting on 5 February, the security services had direct access to the images.
The Brussels Region has an annual budget of €8 million for expanding the number of cameras and replacing older ones. Within five years, all stations must be equipped with high-definition cameras. Currently, 60% of metro stations have high-definition cameras.
Limiting intrusion
Various measures have been put in place in recent years to limit the risk of people intruding and occupying underground infrastructures, including security barriers, alarm systems, and the securing of areas under the platforms.
Still, this did not prevent the two gunmen from fleeing through the tunnels. The number of people walking on the tracks has increased in recent years.
STIB is currently testing a new tunnel access security system at Porte de Hal station, covering both technical platforms and tracks. In the future, the installation of platform screen doors for the automatic metro will aso provide an additional preventive barrier against unauthorised access to restricted areas.
