CCTVs for Cambridgeshire Taxis

CCTV could become mandatory in all taxis in South Cambridgeshire.

19:57 13 November 2017

South Cambridgeshire District Council want to include professionally installed CCTV system as one of the requirements for taxi driver licenses. The council said that all vehicles must be fitted with an approved system no later than March 31, 2020. The plan also includes stricter criminal background checks, a new knowledge test for drivers, more frequent medical tests and introduction of safeguarding training. Hackney Carriages must also be made fully wheelchair accessible.

 

The consultation documents states: "The installation of CCTV in licensed vehicles can be both a deterrent to would-be trouble makers and a source of evidence in the case of disputes between drivers and passengers, other incidents and accidents.

 

"If fitted correctly, it can assist the police and insurance companies with their investigations."

 

CCTV systems should not be used to "record conversations of the travelling public.” The footage may only be accessed by the police or the council.

 

In Cambridge, members of the city council licensing committee agreed to require CCTV in its licensed taxis on a condition that it must be locked and only accessed by the licensing authority and police.