CHILDREN travelling on school buses will be videoed with spy cameras from September in an attempt to combat vandalism.

Bus operators who want to instal hidden cameras on the top deck of buses will get half the cost from the County Council.

A comprehensive code of conduct is currently being drafted to stop the film being misused.

County Councillor Bob Clark, chairman of the public transport committee, said: "The County Council has agreed to give a 50 per cent grant to bus operators to help them equip one double-deck bus within their fleet with the approved video surveillance equipment.

"We expect the cameras to be in place for the start of the autumn term.

"Before any filming can be done, however, it is important that a code of practice is drawn up to ensure the cameras and the films they take are properly used.

"The code will define when the cameras can be used, who has access to the tapes and what action will be taken if anti-social or illegal behaviour is filmed.

"It is important that the county has a strict code of practice to ensure that parents can be confident the cameras and the tapes will not be abused."

The introduction of the top deck cameras follows a pilot trial and talks with bus owners, police and teachers.

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