Body cams given to Transport for Wales staff to 'prevent anti-social behaviour'

Transport for Wales is giving its workers body worn cameras to try and stop "anti-social behaviour."

The trial aims to reduce the amount of abuse against staff on trains and at stations in Wales.

There were more than 350 reports of physical or verbal abuse against staff on trains in Wales last year, according to the rail network.

Transport for Wales will trial four different cameras before supplying 300 of their preferred cameras across the network.

Body worn cameras are used by police forces across Wales.

Staff will trial four different cameras

Daniel Hopkin, a frequent rail passenger on the Neath to Cardiff line said stations can be "hectic."

In October, ITV Cymru Wales heard from passengers who travel on the network regularly. They said overcrowding, delays to services and poor conditions are a common occurrence.

Mr Hopkin said: "I regularly travel between Neath and Cardiff on the train and I think that any improvements in safety will benefit customers.

“The railway station can be really hectic and the fact that staff will have body cameras should act as a deterrent to some of the occasional bad behaviour."

The trial aims to reduce the amount of abuse against staff on trains and at stations in Wales

Transport for Wales conductor Marc Clancy said the cameras will give staff the confidence to deal with abusive customers.

He said: "We have to deal with a range of people daily and most of our customers are grateful and polite.

"We work extremely hard to give our customers the best possible experience when using our services, however at times staff and passengers do experience occasional antisocial behaviour and abuse.

“The introduction of these cameras should act as a deterrent to antisocial behaviour, support assault prosecutions and boost public confidence in safety."