BUS drivers have been handed "spit kits" to help them combat bus crime.
Staff working on the borough's bus networks can now use swabs provided by Transport for London to take samples of saliva from people who spit at them.
DNA will be sent to a branch of the Met Police set up to combat violence against bus drivers.
The new kits contain swabs, rubber gloves and an evidence bag which drivers will hand to police after an attack.
Last year, more than 1,000 incidents of spitting were recorded on London buses.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "We have the finest bus drivers in the world in London and it saddens me they may find themselves the victims of this disgusting activity.
"These kits will increase the likelihood of being able to track down perpetrators and sends them a clear message this foul behaviour will not be tolerated."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article