BUS company Arriva North-East has defended its safety record amid increasing fears over attacks on drivers.

The operator says it places paramount importance on the safety of its staff and has denied that it is failing to take steps to boost security on buses.

A number of drivers have contacted The Northern Echo to claim Arriva has reneged on promises to fit new security equipment.

This includes vandal-proof screens shielding drivers from passengers, radios and video cameras.

Arriva says these are being rolled out, but have yet to be fitted to every bus.

One driver, who did not want to be named, said: "We are having serious problems with vandals on our buses who abuse and attack us."

Drivers working for Arriva North-East have been physically attacked by drunken passengers and stones have also been thrown at buses, shattering windows.

Some local councils have stepped in to subsidise services under threat of the axe because of such problems.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has gone a step further by agreeing a deal to allow some of its community safety wardens to travel on Arriva services acting as a visible deterrent.

Iain McInroy, Arriva North-East operations director, said the firm was liaising with police in choosing the best solutions: "We place paramount importance on the safety of our employees and customers and are working hard to ensure the best possible security systems are in place.

"Vandal screens are being fitted in a rolling programme to vehicles identified with trade unions as requiring this safety measure.

"In addition two-way communication tools and video camera systems are being trialled and evaluated."

Mike Brider, of the Transport and General Workers Union, said: "There does seem to be an increasing trend of assaults on drivers for no better reason than they are public servants.

"We do press Arriva and other companies to take all responsible preventative steps."