Drivers install hi-tech defence (From Barry And District News)

Drivers install hi-tech defence

BARRY'S bus drivers are fighting back after being attacked by gangs of youths carrying missiles.

Cardiff Bus is taking the tough line after Vale services were the target for teenagers throwing bottles and stones.

The company is stepping up its security with all vehicles carrying brand new hi-tech CCTV cameras as standard.

In recent weeks the number of attacks on vehicles has soared.

Just last month, a driver was hurt after a bottle smashed through his side window as he was returning to the depot from Barry Island. Luckily, he had just dropped off his last passenger so no-one else was hurt in the incident.

A Cardiff Bus spokesman told the News: "Our new fleet, which we took delivery of earlier this year, is fitted with CCTV as standard because it was an extra safety precaution available to us.

If there are incidents of violence on any of our routes, it is standard practice to terminate that service until the situation is resolved."

Managing director of Cardiff Bus Alan Kreppel added: "CCTV has been so successful in various situations elsewhere, Cardiff Bus is working with our partners to examine how such a system could work on board our vehicles, making them even safer for passengers and staff alike."

Barry Town councillor Richard Bertin is supporting the move. He is calling for a hardline approach to individuals or gangs caught making drivers' lives a misery.

He said: "No matter how small, from eggs to bottles being thrown, the matter should be taken up with the police. Now there is CCTV on buses there will be no reason not to prosecute. Perhaps it will make people think twice before committing an offence."

PC Simon Rees of Barry police said: "We take all reports of assault very seriously. Any evidence taken from CCTV footage will obviously help to build a case against offenders."