TOUGH regulations are being drawn up to stop video footage of children on school buses falling into the wrong hands.

Spy cameras have been installed on buses carrying out council contract schools work in Lancashire after it was revealed young vandals were causing thousands of pounds worth of damage each year.

One of the worst hit areas is East Lancashire and in 1995 overr 230 cases of criminal damage were reported to the police.

Companies can apply for grants of up to 50 per cent towards the cost of installing video cameras in a bid to catch wreckers in the act.

County Hall transport chiefs have decided to change the existing code of conduct because private operators plan to install security cameras on vehicles operating on privately-run school routes. At least four firms have cameras on their vehicles and a fifth is planning to follow suit.

The council has no control over firms operating normal timetable routes across the county, but will withdraw contracts for school routes if operators fail to stick to the code.

The code limits the number of people who have access to video tapes and lays down a procedure for storing and erasing cassettes.

The code was drawn up following talks with the police, bus companies and education chiefs.

A report on the success of the spy camera scheme is expected later this year.

The changes will be discussed at a public transport sub-committee meeting.

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