BUS company Arriva North-East has defended its safety record amid increasing fears over attacks on drivers.

The operator says it places paramount importance on the safety of its staff and has denied that it is failing to take steps to increase security on buses.

Several drivers have contacted The Northern Echo to say that Arriva has reneged on promises to fit new security equipment. It includes vandal-proof screens shielding drivers from passengers, radios and video cameras.

Arriva says these are being rolled out, but have yet to be fitted to every bus.

One driver, who did not want to be named, said: "We are having serious problems with vandals on our buses who abuse and attack us."

Drivers have been physically attacked by drunken passengers and stones have also been thrown at buses, shattering windows.

Some local councils have stepped in to subsidise services under threat of the axe because of such problems.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has gone a step further by agreeing a deal to allow some of its community safety wardens to travel on Arriva services acting as a visible deterrent.

Iain McInroy, Arriva North-East operations director, said: "We place paramount importance on the safety of our employees and customers and are working hard to ensure the best possible security systems are in place.

"Vandal screens are being fitted in a rolling programme to vehicles identified with trade unions as requiring this safety measure.

"In addition, two-way communication tools and video camera systems are being trialled and evaluated."