Re: 21st Century

Embargoed Release: 07:00hrs Monday 9 May 2005

                                Toad Group plc                                 

                           ('the Company' or 'Toad')                           

          Exercise of option to acquire a further 24% of 21st Century          

In view of the excellent progress made with its recent 25% investment in 21st
Century Crime Prevention Services Limited ('21st Century'), the directors of
Toad today announced that they have exercised the Company's option to acquire a
further 24% of 21st Century at the option price of £750,000 in cash. This
second tranche of preference shares will yield a dividend entitlement of £
245,000 per annum which together with the initial 25% investment will bring the
cumulative dividend entitlement to £500,000 per annum. The Company has a
further option to acquire the remaining 51% of 21st Century.

21st Century is a leading provider of CCTV and black-box solutions for the UK
public transport sector including Arriva's UK Bus Division with whom it has
developed a bespoke system.

Peter Ward, Chairman, commented:

'We are very pleased with the trading figures for 21st Century for the year to
date. The additional dividend entitlement will enable us to invest further in
our own infrastructure to accelerate the growth of our strategic partnership.'

                                    -ENDS-                                     

For enquiries please contact:

Peter Ward

Chairman, Toad Group plc

Wilson Jennings

Finance Director, Toad Group plc

Tel: [phone]

Andy Tan

Hansard Communications

Tel: [phone]