June 7, 2006

Security cameras for all Christchurch buses

Environment Canterbury has approved expenditure of $176,789 to fund security cameras on Christchurch buses, which do not already have them. Security cameras will also be installed on the Diamond Harbour ferry.

The decision follows last month’s stakeholders’ meeting in reaction to an attack on two bus drivers. “One of the issues that came out during that meeting, was support for Environment Canterbury to ensure that all buses have security cameras,” says Cr Nicky Wagner, chairperson of Environment Canterbury’s public passenger transport portfolio.

She says three quarters of buses are already equipped with security cameras, but 41 are not. Each bus requires two cameras (at the front and the back), as does the ferry. Cr Wagner says Environment Canterbury is working with other stakeholders to ensure maximum safety on Christchurch buses.

As well as the installation of security cameras, inverters will also be replaced on buses with older-type cameras. Inverters will make the power flow to the cameras more reliable.

Cr Wagner says all new equipment is subject to agreement by contractors for installation. She says funding will come from Passenger Transport reserves.

ENDS

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