Tannoy system installed at bus station to deter bad behaviour (From The Advertiser Series)

Tannoy system installed at bus station to deter bad behaviour

11:53am Friday 10th August 2007

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CCTV cameras with loudspeakers are being installed at a bus station besieged by trouble makers.

Council chiefs are to introduce a £22,000 Tannoy system at Stanley Bus Station.

Operators will look out for bad behaviour and operate the tannoy to break up trouble. The Tannoy system will broadcast a series of pre-recorded messages, such as 'stop kicking that football' or 'get off your bike'. The aim is to crack down on disorder at the bus station and reassure passengers.

John Shepherd, Derwentside District Council's head of general services, said: "Some of these activities cause people to feel threatened and we're trying to remove that. Some people think the cameras aren't operating, but they are.

"Because there will be a response to the activities, people will understand that they are being seen."

The Tannoy and CCTV will also be linked to a customer contact point where passengers can press a button to ask for assistance or advice.

Jeanette Armin, integrated transport officer at Durham County Council, which is funding the scheme, said: "The whole idea of this is to improve facilities for passengers generally and to address the fear of crime and disorder specifically. Often where you get a CCTV camera working on its own the perception is they don't offer a solution. When you offer a Tannoy system as well they become personal and are very effective at working in tandem."

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