Cameras installed on school buses

It is hoped the presence of CCTV will deter bad behaviour

Clackmannanshire pupils caught breaking Scotland's smoking ban are facing an increased risk of a large fine following a new CCTV project.

Cameras being installed in all large school buses in the region are also aiming to cut down on pupils' bad behaviour and improve safety.

The CCTV will operate on 14 buses in the area and can also keep an eye on youngsters outside the vehicles.

The local council has invested about £30,000 in the project.

Transport improvements

Single-decker buses will be fitted with four cameras, double-deckers with six.

Clackmannanshire Council's travel and transport team leader Sandy Nicol said the authority had been working closely with bus operators to improve pupil safety on school transport.

"A very small minority of pupils misbehave which can be a problem for other pupils sharing a bus," he said.

"We hope the cameras will encourage better behaviour from the few that do flout the rules and any pupil caught smoking on school transport could now face a substantial fine."