US tunnel phones stay blocked after London bombings
Mobile phone service remained disabled in two New York tunnels today amid heightened security fears in the wake of the London bombings.
Service was disconnected in four major vehicular tunnels for fear the phones could be used to trigger further blasts.
But New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg warned that the move could prevent drivers from dialling emergency services in the event of an accident.
“I don’t know if it makes the most sense,” he said. “Cellphones provide a measure of comfort.”
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly also expressed some doubts. “I think it’s good to be able to communicate from the tunnels and the subway system, if possible,” he said.
Service was restored in two busy commuter tunnels leading into Manhattan but remained cut off in another two as a safety precaution.
Amid some confusion, the NYPD said it had never recommended a shutdown while the Metropolitan Transport Authority said it was acting on a police request. It eventually admitted there has been some “miscommunication.”
Mobile phones were used to detonate the bombs that killed 191 people on trains in Madrid last year.
The Department of Homeland Security said the decision to cut off service was made by city authorities without recommendation from the Government.
