CLOSED-circuit television cameras are being installed on buses to clamp down on violent and intimidating behaviour from passengers.

Bus company First York has put eight cameras in a selection of its double deckers and three in some single deckers at a cost of about £3,000 per bus.

Footage from the cameras will be passed on to the police and drivers have been given training on what to include in their witness statements.

Convicted offenders will be banned from travelling on all buses operated by First in the UK and their photographs kept on file. Witnesses are being offered rewards of up to £100 if their statement results in a conviction.

The scheme, called Bus Stop Bullies, was launched yesterday by First York and North Yorkshire Police.

The company's accident investigation manager, Roy Tanner, said: "There are some youngsters who get their kicks from hurling missiles at our buses and behaving in a generally anti-social manner whilst travelling.

"It is very frustrating for drivers as there is little chance of summoning help while the bus is running on service."

PC Claire Hudson came up with the idea for the scheme. She said: "People should be able to travel around in safety and without fear, and that is exactly what this scheme is designed to bring about."

Safer York Partnership director Jane Mowat urged bus passengers to support the new initiative.

She said: "The success of this excellent scheme is reliant on evidence and statements from the public at large, and I urge them to do all they can to rid our buses of these miscreants."