Buses across Basildon have been fitted with CCTV cameras in a bid to curb vandalism and threats on drivers.

First Essex Buses, which operates the majority of services across Basildon, Billericay and Wickford, decided to trial the infra-red cameras following a spate of attacks on vehicles and staff.

In recent months, rocks have been thrown at buses in Ashlyns and Wilsner, in Pitsea, causing more than £1,000 worth of damage.

Company bosses hope the surveillance cameras, which will be fitted to the outside of vehicles, will help police identify yobs pelting buses with stones and other potentially lethal missiles.

Published Thursday, February 23, 2006