Dublin Bus to fit digital cameras on buses

Dublin Bus is to fit digital CCTV cameras to its fleet of more than 1,000 buses at a cost of €2.8 million in an effort to combat on-board smoking, vandalism and other crime.

Each bus will be fitted with up to eight cameras taking pictures every two seconds, to allow for maximum coverage of all areas of the bus. The new system will replace the single analogue cameras used on the top deck of buses.

A Dublin Bus spokeswoman said: "The analogue system was connected to a VHS recorder, so the scale of storage and the quality of the images was limited. The move to the digital system will allow us to store a much greater number of files, will produce very clear images and will allow us complete on-board monitoring."

On a double-decker bus, six cameras will be positioned between the two storeys, one in the stairwell and one on the front of the bus providing a driver's eye view. The company hopes the footage will assist in prosecutions for assaults, vandalism and smoking and for assessing the veracity of claims against the company.