Calls for CCTV in Carmarthenshire taxis following driver attackTAXI drivers in Llanelli can install CCTV in their cabs following a "cowardly attack" on a 68-year-old driver — but only if they fund it themselves, the council has said.
Last week the Star revealed how a male driver was attacked by three men who had been passengers in his cab in Llwynhendy over a dispute over a fare.
Taxi firms have been asking for cameras in their vehicles as a result.
A spokesman for Master Cabs, whose driver was allegedly beaten by three men with belt buckles, has said there should be investment in CCTV.
"Taxis are licensed and are public service vehicles the same as buses," said the spokesman.
"So if they put it in buses, the council should look to put it into cabs too.
"It can be a dangerous job as you work 24 hours a day and can pick up all types, but for a bigger firm it can be expensive to put it into every car."
CCTV costs £200 to £300 to install in taxis.
A Carmarthenshire Council spokesman said there were 432 licensed taxi drivers in the county — adding they were not always made aware of incidents of violence against them.
The authority could therefore not provide a detailed figure on attacks over the past 12 months.
"Taxi firms and individual Hackney Carriage License holders can install CCTV in their own vehicles so long as they abide by appropriate data protection laws," the spokesman said.
"This cost would have to be met by the business, and is not something the local authority would fund."
Inspector Justin Evans said "This was a very distressing incident for the driver of the vehicle and he was left in a shocked condition.
Dyfed Powys Police take Violent Crime very seriously and I would like to appeal for any witnesses to contact Police. Enquiries are ongoing in relation to this incident and I appeal to the public to come forward with
Any information, please contact the Press Office / telephone 101.
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