Taxi Driver Online

New Cameras To Make Taxis Safer

6th July 2009

Doncaster taxi drivers will be protected by CCTV cameras for the first time today in a bid to answer concerns for drivers' safety.

Doncaster New Deal for Communities is funding a scheme launched today which offers 30 hackney carriage drivers the opportunity to buy subsidised cameras for their taxis.

The Star first revealed plans for the scheme in September.

It is hoped the scheme will lead to a substantial reduction in abuse and attacks against drivers, with similar schemes in other parts of the UK reducing crime in taxis by 90 per cent. Police say they will monitor the effects of the cameras on violent crime.

Ben McCall, NDC's acting chief executive, said: "We are pleased to launch this new initiative in partnership with Doncaster Council, South Yorkshire Police and the Taxi Drivers' Association.

"Considering most of the taxi businesses in the town are in the NDC area, and many taxi drivers are NDC residents, we have been keen to work with them for some time.

"Safety is a priority for the travelling public and this will benefit drivers and passengers alike. It is yet another innovative way of reducing crime across the area."

Police are also backing the scheme.

Det Chf Insp Matt Fenwick, violent crime lead for Safer Doncaster Partnership said: "This is another example of how agencies are working together to improve public safety in Doncaster.

"Safer Doncaster Partnership is delighted to support this new initiative by NDC. We will monitor its effects on violent crime closely over the coming months."

All taxis will have signs to indicate cameras are in the vehicle. No-one will be able to access the images or sound other than South Yorkshire Police.

The scheme is expected to deter violence and anti-social behaviour and protect both drivers and passengers.

When The Star first revealed details about the taxi scheme, Doncaster Taxi Drivers Association spokesman Jarnel Singh said taxi drivers were being assaulted every week, with abuse and damage to taxis also a problem.

He said: "We think it will make a great deal of difference to drivers' quality of life."

"You can be abused on a regular basis, once or twice a week, and it's time something was done."

Source; The Star - thestar.co.uk

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90%? where are these figures from?

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