South Ribble Borough Council Possible Compulsory CCTV for Cabs

South Ribble Borough Council considers making CCTV cameras for cab journeys mandatory.

14:40 16 January 2023

South Ribble Borough Council is considering making CCTV for cabs mandatory in a bid to make both drivers and passengers feel safer during their journey. The local authority has since launched a consultation with members of the public asking for their opinion about the proposal. 

It comes after several requests were made by trade representatives as well as members to revisit the proposal, which was rejected in 2018 on the basis that the cost of the implementation in every vehicle could not be justified because of low crime rates involving taxis. 

A council spokesman said: "There are many factors that need to be considered to ensure that the design, specification and operation of any CCTV system is proportionate, justified and pragmatic so, any decision to mandate CCTV in licensed vehicles cannot be made lightly or quickly.

"We want to understand if there are local circumstances about the mandatory installation of CCTV that you think may have a positive or negative effect on the safety of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle users, including children or vulnerable adults, and taking into account potential privacy issues."