Cullen says cameras will make buses in Dublin safer

New digital cameras being fitted to Dublin buses will increase the security of passengers and drivers, Minister for Transport Martin Cullen has said.

He said the decision to install the CCTV systems, at a cost of €2.8 million, was taken before the London attacks in which a double-decker bus was blown apart killing several passengers. However, the cameras were being fitted at a time when safety concerns were to the fore.

He said the "context at the moment of the recent tragedy of the bomb attacks in London" demonstrated the importance of safety and security on public transport.

However, Mr Cullen said the main reason for installing the cameras was to combat rising vandalism and "abuse" of the service.

"This new CCTV system is the single biggest action yet to tackling anti-social behaviour on Dublin Bus. With up to eight cameras on each bus, there will be no hiding place for those intent on vandalising buses."

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 new system will replace the single analogue cameras used on the top deck of buses.

Dublin Bus hopes the footage will assist in prosecutions for assaults, vandalism and smoking, and for assessing the veracity of claims against the company.

Mr Cullen said the new system would help passengers feel more secure on buses and encourage more people to use Dublin Bus.

"This is a bad day for the abusers and a bad day for vandals who want to take away from others what is a quality public transport system."