Digital billboards are to be used to direct university students to “safe spaces” while walking home from nights out.

       The streets of Cardiff will be illuminated by 35 bright billboards to help young women, many of whom will be unfamiliar with the city, during “freshers’ fortnight”, which began this week.

       The project, run by businesses in the city, comes after a recent report that found that 80 per cent of women in the UK said that they had been sexually harassed in public places.

       The billboards will contain QR codes that can be scanned with a smartphone, giving students access to the Safe Places app.

       The app contains registered places - such as local businesses - where people who feel scared or vulnerable can seek immediate help.

       Businesses that have signed up have been given training to make sure their staff are able to deal with difficult situations.

       Richard Smith, manager of the Angel Hotel in Cardiff, said: “With the reopening of indoor hospitality, we have seen a lot of people come through our doors seeking refuge, with many being young women who feel at risk.

       “Whether someone has run out of money and needs a safe ride home, or they’re feeling vulnerable or unsafe in any way, we’re here to help.”

       Students welcome plan to light the way home

       Students in the city welcomed the move, saying they would feel more confident walking the streets at night.

       Jemma Shand, 22, said: “During 2019 freshers’ fortnight, one of my friends was walking alone on the way back to her halls of residence and got followed by a stranger.

       “At one point, the person caught up with her and touched her inappropriately.

       “I hated walking by myself in freshers’ fortnight, and I still don’t like it two years on even though that person was arrested.”

       “Knowing that these billboards are there shining light on dark streets and have QR codes to find safe places makes me more confident when walking in Cardiff at night.”

       Adrian Field, executive director of FOR Cardiff, the business development service, said: “Our ambition is to make Cardiff a city where women feel confident and welcome when walking through the capital, night or day.

       “With Cardiff’s businesses registering to be a Safe Place, we can create a safe and welcoming environment for all who live, work or visit Cardiff city centre.”