Birmingham Taxi CCTV Idea Scrapped

Proposals to install CCTV cameras in taxis and private hire vehicles have been scrapped by Birmingham City Council due to lack of support.

20:29 20 March 2018

Birmingham City Council has quietly scrapped plans to install CCTVs into taxis and cabs despite a report that shows it could prevent grooming and child exploitation.

 

The proposals were unveiled last April by the authority’s licensing committee following a review into the Rotherham grooming scandal. However, the plans were axed because the £500 per vehicle cost could see drivers applying for licences at neighbouring councils – where no such policy exists.

 

However, Cllr Lynda Clinton (Lab, Tyburn) opposed the scrapping of the plans saying that they can be both beneficial to passengers and cab drivers. She said:  “Apart from the cost I can’t see why any driver would not wish to see themselves protected, and their passengers, because they are vulnerable to allegations.

 

“We also may have drivers who sadly are picking up the same people on a regular basis and that can turn into grooming.

 

”The council said it could introduce the CCTV plans by last November following consultation with taxi and private hire firms."

 

A Birmingham City spokesman said: “A report outlining proposals for CCTV cameras to be installed in Hackney Carriage and private hire vehicles was considered by Licensing and Public Protection Committee in April 2017.

 

“However, it has not been progressed, as initial consultation with trade representatives showed there was no support for this proposal.