Taxi Driver Online

Basingstoke and Deane Council explore CCTV cameras in taxis

https://www.basingstokegazette.co.uk/ne ... ras-taxis/

A consultation considering whether CCTVs should be installed in taxis and private hire vehicles will be launched by a local licensing committee from the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

The decision follows concerns from the taxi community about abuse directed at drivers and demand from passengers who want greater reassurance during their journeys.

The consultation will seek feedback from passengers and drivers on how they’d feel about CCTV in taxis and how it could be implemented to ensure safety and privacy.

Councillor Simon Minas-Bound and Councillor Jay Ganesh have been calling for action regarding safety in taxis since September 2024.

Cllr Minas-Bound said: “I’ve heard from countless drivers who’ve faced verbal and physical abuse while just trying to do their jobs. Passengers too have told us they want to feel safer – especially at night. We pushed hard to get this consultation started because it’s time we take real steps to improve safety for everyone.”

Residents are encouraged to contribute with the consultation once it opens and to share their views on how transport could be made safer.

Cllr Ganesh added: “This isn’t about catching people out – it’s about protecting both drivers and passengers. CCTV could be a powerful tool to help prevent abuse, resolve disputes fairly, and ensure confidence in our taxi service. Now it’s important that the public has their say.”

A spokesperson for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said: “The Licensing Committee considered a report on the potential installation of CCTV in taxis and private hire vehicles on Monday 2 June. The committee has asked officers to undertake additional research, including consulting with taxi operators and drivers, and exploring potential funding options for the installation of the equipment. A follow-up report will be brought to the Licensing Committee in early 2026 for further consideration.”

Can't be bothered reading the piece again, but it's presumably about compulsory CCTV, although I don't think the article specifically states that

And, I mean, as regards the driver protection angle, as per usual it's presumably permissible for drivers to install their own system at present? Again, the statement above seems to assume they can't, but I suspect that's not the case.

Anyway, noticed a tweet the other day from grooming gang survivor Sammy Woodhouse, who's a member of Rupert Lowe's unofficial inquiry, and is obviously well connected regarding stuff like this.

And she said that a government minister had told her that CCTV would be mandated nationally (England, presumably, since licensing is devolved...)

Of course, that's not to say it will happen, and it would be a few years down the line assuming it did happen

Good.

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