Conservative mayoral candidate Steve Norris has pledged to make the London Underground safer.

His move follows a survey by Crime Concern for the Department for Transport which showed that 60 per cent of women and 32 per cent of men feel unsafe on the Tube at night.

In addition, a fifth of women questioned reported feeling unsafe on the Underground network during the day, while 49 per cent felt the same at bus stops.

To combat the problem, the Conservative mayoral candidate has backed the use of security guards in the middle carriage of trains, a policy similar to one implemented in Sydney, Australia. 

In addition, he pledged the recruitment of extra transport police officers to patrol at isolated stations, an audit of Tube stations to assess where further CCTV and lighting is required, and the appointment of a senior member of staff at each stop dedicated to tackling security issues.

Norris also proposed a "zero tolerance" approach to graffiti on trains and stations.

"It's totally unacceptable to have almost two thirds of your customers afraid to use the tube," he said.

"Crime affects every person in the capital regardless of sex, race or background. 

"But when the evidence shows that women feel so at risk, it is time for the mayor to take action.  No woman should feel afraid to sit on a tube station or scared to wait on a platform.

"The mayor has a vital role to play - and a budget in delivering a safer city - that is what these proposals will deliver.

"Putting guards on trains will give people a much greater sense of security."