BUS drivers in Bournemouth will be issued with DNA testing kits to help catch disgusting passengers who spit at them.

The managing director of Yellow Buses Roy Edgley says he is keen to issue drivers with the sterile swabs so the saliva of violent yobs could be preserved and tested against records on the national DNA database.

But Mr Edgley stressed that while Bournemouth does not have a problem with such attacks, the kits would be introduced in the future.

The initiative is already being used in London by bus operator Metroline and the Transport & General Workers Union and drivers have been trained how to use them.

Mr Edgley said that he has been in liaison with the local police to find a suitable kit that would provide sufficient forensic evidence in court.

"It is not as much a problem as it is in London. We are aware that the First Group, a major public transport company, issued these kits to all their staff, including drivers in Southampton.

"We have been able to get hold of one of these kits and passed it to the police and their concern with that kit was that it wouldn't provide adequate forensic evidence.

"We are not saying it is a major problem but one incident is too many for our staff. We are looking at it and almost certainly will have it in the near future. It is just a matter of getting the right equipment and making sure the staff are informed and notices are placed on the buses."

Superintendent Nick Hazelton of Bournemouth police reiterated that spitting at drivers is not a major problem in the town.

He added: "Assaults like this are very rare. I would welcome anything that will see people responsible for this sort of behaviour arrested, charged and taken to court."

One Yellow Buses driver said: "We would like to see this introduced and although not a major problem, tackling this form of crime takes us one step closer to a safer community."

First published: Sept 3