PARENTS of children who vandalise buses could find themselves paying for the damage - and it could cost £200 or more!

In a new move by the county council, bus operators are being encouraged to place hidden cameras on the top deck of buses to catch the young hooligans in action.

The tapes would then provide evidence of their crimes and parents would be given the ultimatum - pay up or your children have to walk!

Director of Preston Bus Peter Bell welcomed the move, he said: "People damage vehicles, slash seats, write all over them and break windows.

"The cameras will give us ammunition to make them pay for the damage. Although they won't stop people misbehaving, they will identify the culprits." The council is currently drafting a code of practice to ensure there can be no misuse of the film taken by cameras.

County Councillor Bob Clark, chairman of the public transport sub committee, said: "The county council has agreed to give a 50 per cent grant to bus operators to help them equip one double-deck bus within their fleet with the approved video surveillance equipment. We expect the cameras to be in place for the start of the autumn term."

Mr Bell confirmed that the videos would also operate on normal services when buses were not in use for school runs. He said: "It makes people feel a lot safer. It also makes it easier for prosecution."

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