Are There Any Police Boxes in London?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of Doctor Who, you may be familiar with the iconic blue police box that the Doctor travels in. But did you know that these police boxes used to be a common sight on the streets of London

What are Police Boxes

Police boxes were small, freestanding structures used by police officers to communicate with headquarters and take a break from their patrols. They were also used as a place for members of the public to report crimes or seek assistance.

The first police box was introduced in 1929 and they quickly became a familiar sight on London’s streets. The design was based on the traditional red telephone boxes, but with space inside for a police officer to sit and work.

The Decline of Police Boxes

With the introduction of radios and mobile phones, police boxes became less necessary. They gradually disappeared from the streets, with the last one being decommissioned in 2014.

However, if you’re a fan of nostalgia or just curious about London’s history, there are still some police boxes that have been preserved or repurposed.

Preserved Police Boxes

Some police boxes have been preserved as part of London’s heritage. One example is the Grade II listed police box outside Earl’s Court station. It has been restored to its original condition and is now used as a mini-museum displaying historical artefacts.

Repurposed Police Boxes

Other police boxes have been repurposed into useful structures such as coffee kiosks or public toilets. One example is the bright red coffee kiosk located outside Tooting Bec station which was once a functioning police box.

In Conclusion

While you won’t find any functioning police boxes in London anymore, there are still a few that have been preserved or repurposed. They serve as a reminder of London’s history and the important role that police officers played in keeping the city safe.

  • Tip: If you’re interested in seeing some of these preserved or repurposed police boxes, a good place to start is with the Earl’s Court police box museum or by taking a walking tour of London.