Taxi Driver Online

The results here are a bit more like I'd expect, as opposed to those from Barnsley

But not sure why all this rigmarole is necessary if they're not actually considering mandating it.

And looks like they're potentially planning even more rigmarole...

But, of course, the answer to these questions probably depends on whether it's a system mandated and controlled by councillors, as opposed to one controlled by the drivers themselves.

So without knowing the precise formulations of the questions asked it's difficult to compare stats between authorities, certainly


Consultation results on CCTV in Huntingdonshire taxis

https://www.huntspost.co.uk/news/255673 ... ire-taxis/

A consultation into whether CCTV should be installed in taxis across Huntingdonshire has revealed some privacy concerns for drivers.

Huntingdonshire District Council launched a consultation to gather views from both the taxi trade and the general public on the potential introduction of mandatory CCTV in taxi and private hire vehicles licensed by the council.

The potential introduction is based off of a view from the Department for Transport, which suggests that CCTV can provide "additional deterrence to prevent potential risk to public safety" as well as a "safer environment for the benefit of taxi/private hire vehicle passengers and drivers".

The council are not currently seeking to mandate the use of CCTV, but to permit its use, provided that the vehicle licence holder complies with conditions.

During the consultation, the council received 131 responses, with a summary of the results here.

In support of CCTV

• Drivers - 9
• Operator - 2
• Both driver and operator - 14
• Public - 22

Object against CCTV

• Drivers - 65
• Operator - 1
• Both driver and operator - 3
• Public - 13

Comments were also submitted in response, including one from a driver who said that they believe it would be an "invasion of privacy".

"One of the joys of taking pre-booked customers on holiday is that you build a relationship with them and have good conversations, and I think this would change if passengers knew they were being recorded", they said.

Many drivers recognised the safety benefits, but feared that the cost of maintaining it would damage their business, and that customers who discuss "sensitive or personal matters" may feel "intimidated" if they knew they were being recorded.

A suitable CCTV system would cost in the region from £500 to £1,000 to purchase, as well as future costs whenever a vehicle needs updating or a fault occurs.

The council recognised that an increase in costs for the trade would "inevitably" be passed onto the customers.

The Licensing Committee at Huntingdonshire District Council have recommended that a more detailed consultation, both with the public and the trade, would be required.

They also made note of the Casey Report, which was published earlier this year, which found that weaknesses in taxi licensing regulations are "undermining efforts" to prevent child sexual exploitation across England and Wales.

In light of that, the council committee said that there is a possibility that national standards may be introduced in the near future, so they must align with these if they come into force.

Is it an invasion when you are accused of something you never did?

Is it an invasion when a driver is actually doing something iffy they shouldn't be?

Is it an invasion when CCTV evidence shows that any accident is the fault of the other party?

Why is it that when CCTV is mentioned, folks who usually have sense act like utter numpties?

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IDFIMH