A scheme where classical music is played at stations on the Tyne and Wear Metro system to cut crime is being taken up by London Underground.
Metro operator Nexus was the first UK transport provider to pilot the use of music from Mozart, Beethoven and Bach in 1997 in an effort to cut disorder.
It is said to have a calming influence and cut anti-social behaviour.
Now, Tube bosses hope the scheme can reduce offending on some of the worst parts of the Underground network.
London Underground (LU) is broadcasting Mozart and Pavarotti through loudspeakers and claims it has resulted in a drastic reduction in anti-social behaviour by gangs of youths.
'Calming music'
The scheme is being extended to more stations across the District, Metropolitan and East London lines, with the repertoire including Vivaldi, Handel, Rachmaninov and Mussorgsky.
Director general of Nexus Mike Parker said: "Playing classical music on the Metro system has proved very useful in reducing anti-social behaviour and making passengers feel more comfortable.
"We have just invested in MP3 players to increase the variety of soothing, calming music we can offer, so passengers don't get bored of the same tracks."
Nexus got the original idea from the underground system in Montreal, Canada, in the mid 1990s and were keen to test the initiative on Tyneside.
At the end of last year classical music was broadcast for the first time at the bus station in Stanley in County Durham in an effort to encourage an improved passenger environment.
Police figures show that levels of assault on the Metro system fell by a quarter in 2005 and criminal damage was down by 20%.
^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©