Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council and McCann launch HALO points to improve safety in Liverpool’s Night Time Economy

Merseyside Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner, in partnership with Liverpool City Council (LCC), have launched Operation HALO, an innovative safety initiative designed to support vulnerable people across Liverpool’s Night Time Economy (NTE).

Delivered by McCann and Signify on behalf of LCC, the initiative supports national efforts to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and improve public safety in busy nightlife areas. The HALO points provide a discreet, non-verbal way for individuals to access support if they feel unsafe, vulnerable or at risk. Clearly identifiable by their bright orange columns and illuminated green “Halo” lanterns, the units are installed at nine key locations across Liverpool city centre.

• Wood Street / Hanover Street – Sweat.Brings.Shells
• Slater Street / Wood Street – Inspector.Proud.Meant
• Peter’s Square – Forget.Friday.Storm
• Seel Street (near Alcatraz) – Precautions.Actual.Spent
• Slater Street / Seel Street – Logic.Grass.Vivid
• Mathew Street / Stanley Street – Flats.Hosts.Corn
• North John Street / Mathew Street – Stove.Spit.Oval
• Stanley Street / Dale Street – Glove.Vivid.Ranges
• Temple Court / Victoria Street – Comic.Solar.Fixed

Each HALO Point provides direct contact with emergency services via 999 and is linked to City Watch CCTV, enabling rapid intervention and immediate reassurance from VAWG champions or police officers for anyone feeling vulnerable or in distress.

The project was funded through the Home Office Hyper-Local Policing Fund following a 2023 Strategic Threat Risk Assessment, which identified busy nightlife areas, town centres and high-footfall locations as key hotspots for VAWG-related offences.

McCann, Signify, Liverpool City Council and Merseyside Police collaborated to design and deliver the bespoke units, integrating lighting, signage and emergency intercom technology into a highly visible public safety system.

The work was delivered as part of McCann’s Liverpool City Council Maintenance contract, where we are responsible for the maintenance and capital works of over 68,000 street lighting assets across the region. Using our skills and resources to back initiatives from the Council and Merseyside Police, such as Project HALO, allows us to truly support the community and the needs of those in the area through innovative solutions.

“McCann is proud to announce the public launch of Operation Halo, an innovative safety initiative developed in partnership with Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council to help protect vulnerable people within Liverpool’s busy nightlife areas. The scheme introduces a network of highly visible lighting units positioned across key locations in the city, designed to provide an accessible way for individuals to seek help if they feel unsafe or at risk

This system, developed in collaboration with Signify, are the first of their kind to be deployed in England. McCann, Signify, Liverpool City Council and Merseyside Police hope that Operation Halo will not only enhance safety across Liverpool but also serve as a model for wider national adoption, reinforcing a shared commitment to preventing violence and safeguarding communities,” James McDaid, Head of Local Authority at McCann.

Andy Bithell, Head of Highways Management at Liverpool City Council, said: “Liverpool’s night-time economy is a vital part of our city centre, and we want everyone to feel safe and supported when travelling, socialising and enjoying a night out. Our lighting team and contractor have worked with Merseyside Police to install the Halo Points, providing clear and accessible places of reassurance in key locations. This complements the work of venue-based VAWG Champions and our City Watch CCTV coverage.

By working closely with Merseyside Police and businesses, we are strengthening a coordinated approach that helps prevent harm, enables faster support when it’s needed, and sends a clear message that violence and harassment will not be tolerated in Liverpool.”

Carl Williams, Key Account Manager, Public, Signify UK, commented: “Reliable access to emergency assistance remains an important yet often overlooked component of nighttime safety for women and girls. Halo Points, well-lit, highly visible points across the city centre, marked by distinctive green and white lighting is a great initiative ensuring the city provides a more dependable solution, allowing quick assistance in high-stress situations. We are proud to be the chosen lighting provider for the project, working in partnership with J McCann, contributing towards protecting vulnerable individuals and tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Liverpool’s night-time economy.”

Overall, Operation HALO is a practical, scalable, and inclusive initiative that strengthens existing safeguarding measures. By providing a silent, visible, and easily accessible way to seek help, it enhances public safety, supports prevention efforts, and offers reassurance to those who may otherwise feel unable to access support.