Cameras and reversing radar systems have been fitted to waste, recycling and cleansing vehicles by Angus Council to protect the public and guard against bogus insurance claims.

Operations manager Paul McPherson said: 'The environment in which these vehicles operate is busy and congested with narrow streets that often require difficult manoeuvres.

'The cameras have proven to be invaluable in safeguarding the council against false insurance claims, as well as helping to keep the public safe so we have continued to specify the equipment on any new vehicles'

Tayside Contracts, a local authority contracting organisation, is responsible for the repair and maintenance of vehicles for the council. Bob Ritchie, their transport services manager, said: 'We are very pleased with the reliability of the systems from ISS.

'Our priority is the safety of Angus Council operatives and the general public. The quality of footage is excellent and enables us to see everything in great detail'

The vehicles are fitted with the RX3 hard disk recording system and reversing radar from leading vehicle safety technology company, Innovative Safety Systems (ISS).

The technology helps to keep the public safe with the cameras providing 360° visibility around the vehicle. The recorded footage is very useful for crew training and to ensure health and safety best practice is being adhered to.

Keith Boyfield, the ISS sales manager in Scotland, said: 'We stepped in three years ago when one of our competitors was late fulfilling an order and we have since built up an excellent relationship with both organisations'