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The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that just two police front counters will remain open 24 hours a day across London, as part of a plan to save £7m and help close a £260m funding gap.
Under the revised model, Charing Cross and Lewisham stations will continue to operate around the clock, while a further 25 front counters will open from 10am to 10pm on weekdays and 9am to 7pm at weekends.
The decision follows extensive public consultation and represents a shift from earlier proposals, with seven more front counters retained than originally planned. Feedback from Londoners showed that having a local point of contact was more important than 24/7 access.
Despite the increased number of sites staying open, the Met said the new plan still achieves the same £7m in savings, allowing resources to be focused on frontline policing while maintaining public accessibility.
The force said the new model will better align counter locations with custody suites and local demand, helping to balance financial constraints with operational priorities.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist acknowledged that the Met was being forced to “shrink to live within its means” but said the organisation remained focused on delivering policing that meets public expectations.
“Londoners tell us they want more visible and responsive policing on the capital’s streets and that is exactly what we are going to deliver,” he said. “But we have also listened to their views during an extensive engagement process and, while our funding gap means we must reduce provision, we will keep more front counters open across London.”
The 25 front counters operating under extended hours will include sites in Croydon, Brixton, Hounslow, Romford, Tottenham, and Bethnal Green, among others.
However, front counters at Kensington, Harrow, Wimbledon, Twickenham, and Chingford are set to close, alongside several reduced-hours and volunteer-run counters such as Pinner, Barking, and Mitcham.
The Metropolitan Police said the revised model represents a pragmatic balance between financial sustainability, public accessibility, and frontline policing needs, ensuring resources remain focused on keeping London safe.
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