School buses get CCTV

Published on 29 Feb 2008

School buses in Northumberland will be fitted with CCTV cameras in a pilot scheme aimed at improving safety for pupils.

The £70,000 project hopes to deter a minority of badly behaved students by making it clear that their actions are being recorded.

Richard Waters, head of transport for the council, said:

"The vast majority of students are well behaved. This is about deterring bad behaviour among a tiny minority of young people and letting them know any unruly activities will be recorded on camera."
"Only nominated senior officers with authorised operators will be able to download the footage for review.
"Footage can then be transferred to CD for use by nominated individuals in schools or enforcement agencies such as police or child protection. There are strict legal protocols to follow for both the council and transport operators which will be followed to the letter.