Conversations between passengers on buses could be snooped on by surveillance microphones under new plans exposed by drivers. They have threatened to strike over the new technology which some fear could breach civil liberties. However transport bosses insist the audio recorders are not switched on and said they have only trialled the system in the depot.
Workers union Unite, which represents bus drivers in Brighton and Hove , accused the city's bus company of spying on passengers and drivers. Microphones have been installed in drivers' cabs on some of Brighton and Hove Buses' fleet. They are capable of listening in on conversations as far back as the seats on the bottom deck.
There are plans to use the technology to keep both drivers and passengers safe as antisocial behaviour on buses increases. It would provide evidence which could be presented to the police on top of existing CCTV footage. Teenagers clinging onto the back of a Brighton bus (Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner) Unite alleges the company has already used the technology in regular passenger service but the bus company denied this.
Regional officer for Unite Janet Nobbs said: "It is outrageous that Brighton and Hove Buses have begun recording not only our members' but also passengers' conversations without their knowledge or consent." Buses already record a significant amount of data from the driver's cab, including from cameras and the buttons they press and when. Read more: Council officer holds bus in failed bi.
