A move to force Supertram conductors to wear body cameras has been slammed as a “breach of privacy”.

One conductor, who didn’t wish to be named, said the decision, which was brought into effect two weeks ago, wasn’t welcomed by all staff.

She said: “Others might have something better to say but I don’t agree with it at all. It’s a breach of privacy. I really don’t agree with it.”

Reaction from customers has also been mixed. One Facebook user said: “I’ve noticed some conductors wearing them. I don’t blame them,” however another described their use as a “very sad reflection on our so-called modern society.”

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority claim that “staff members have reported feeling safer while wearing the devices,” whilst James Stewart, head of Customer Service and Operations at Supertrams, said he was “proud of the positive impact” that the cameras have already had since their introduction. 

He also said: “The safety and wellbeing of our staff and passengers is our top priority. The introduction of body cameras is a vital step in ensuring a safer working environment for our frontline colleagues. 

“These cameras not only help deter anti-social behaviour but also provide crucial evidence when needed.”

The policy change comes as a trial, where conductors were given the option to wear body cameras, comes to an end, having been launched in September 2024. 

The use of body cameras allows Supertram and South Yorkshire Police to continue their zero-tolerance stance on anti-social behaviour. 

An investigation, carried out prior to the trial, found that nine incidents took place on the Supertram network between April and June 2024, including six instances of verbal abuse, two instances of physical abuse and one instance of an object being thrown. 

The SYMCA also said that the “the presence of body cameras has proven to be an effective deterrent,” and also allow South Yorkshire Police to “increase successful prosecutions” by using the footage from body cameras in investigations.