COMMUTERS in Wanstead and Woodford could be in for a smoother ride as buses are fitted with digital spies to monitor driving.

Hi-tech devices that detect the nature of dozens of driving movements per minute, such as acceleration, breaking and the handling of corners, are being fitted to First buses across the borough.

First buses operate a number of routes in the area, including the 179, which runs from Chingford to Barking through Woodford Green and South Woodford, and the W12 which serves Snaresbrook and Whipps Cross Hospital.

A LED monitor on the dashboard will flash either green, amber or red depending on the driver's performance and an overall score will be given at the end of the line.

Money from a £2million reward pot will be dished out to drivers achieving the highest consistent standards.

The DriveGreen system, which also aims to reduce the company's carbon footprint, have already been trialled on 1,000 buses in London, Bradford and Glasgow.

Jenny Grant, 22, who catches the bus to work in George Lane, South Woodford, said: “It's a good idea because it can be a bit bumpy sometimes.

“If I'm late in the mornings I sometimes put my make-up on when I'm on the bus but it can be quite a trial.”

The pilot in March saw a 70 per cent decrease in the number of unnecessary manoeuvres, and each driver is expected to use around 500 litres less fuel per year, which equates to 1.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The technology will be rolled out to First's entire fleet of 9,000 buses across the UK by the middle of 2010.

Director for First Bus Nicola Shaw said: “This is a significant step in our efforts to improve the comfort and safety of our bus services as well as making a real environmental difference to the world that we, and future generations, will live in.”

Redbridge routes that will get the DriveGreen system are: 150, 179, 679, 958 and w12.