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Abuse victims and drivers clash over CCTV plan for Rotherham taxis

Abuse victims and their families in Rotherham have welcomed plans to introduce CCTV in all town taxis - but warned ‘not enough’ is being done to tackle child sexual exploitation.

In a new letter on planned changes to taxi licensing policies by the council, the group said ‘we feel that even after the amount of coverage the town has received, enough is still not being done - especially by the council’.

They are calling for all 800 taxis in the town to be fitted with cameras and all drivers to have more stringent security checks.

But cabbies have said they are being ‘condemned by association’ following reports highlighting the role of some taxi drivers in facilitating child sexual exploitation.

Commissioners are expected to give the go-ahead today, Tuesday, for cameras to be fitted in taxis, following a public consultation.

The idea is being backed by families and survivors of child sexual exploitation, who say the council’s ‘commitment to looking at the issues of taxi companies and drivers is a step in the right direction’.

The group has also called for drivers to foot the bill for altering their vehicles on the grounds the costs should be tax-deductible.

But taxi drivers have raised concerns about the proposals ahead of a meeting at Rotherham Town Hall to discuss the plans today.

The Rotherham Private Hire Drivers Association has said installing CCTV ‘must be optional’ and any new conditions should only be considered ‘if the cost is acceptable and reasonable’.

A letter representing 52 Hackney cab drivers said the changes could put ‘a lot of drivers out of jobs’ and individuals should be able to choose whether they install CCTV.

It added: “If the enforcement department was out occasionally and doing something maybe we wouldn’t need cameras. We have been condemned by association.”

The Rotherham Hackney Carriage Association said drivers should be allowed to choose what type of CCTV is installed so it is affordable to all.

The shake-up comes after the Jay report revealed the ‘prominent role’ of taxi drivers in the grooming scandal, while the Casey inquiry said taxis needed more effective regulation due to the ‘well-publicised link between taxis and child sexual exploitation in Rotherham that has cast a long shadow over the vast majority of law-abiding drivers’.

source: http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/new ... -1-7310127

Author:	captain cab [ Wed Jun 17, 2015 7:45 am ]
Post subject:	Abuse victims and drivers clash over CCTV
Abuse victims and drivers clash over CCTV plan for Rotherham taxis Abuse victims and their families in Rotherham have welcomed plans to introduce CCTV in all town taxis - but warned ‘not enough’ is being done to tackle child sexual exploitation. In a new letter on planned changes to taxi licensing policies by the council, the group said ‘we feel that even after the amount of coverage the town has received, enough is still not being done - especially by the council’. They are calling for all 800 taxis in the town to be fitted with cameras and all drivers to have more stringent security checks. But cabbies have said they are being ‘condemned by association’ following reports highlighting the role of some taxi drivers in facilitating child sexual exploitation. Commissioners are expected to give the go-ahead today, Tuesday, for cameras to be fitted in taxis, following a public consultation. The idea is being backed by families and survivors of child sexual exploitation, who say the council’s ‘commitment to looking at the issues of taxi companies and drivers is a step in the right direction’. The group has also called for drivers to foot the bill for altering their vehicles on the grounds the costs should be tax-deductible. But taxi drivers have raised concerns about the proposals ahead of a meeting at Rotherham Town Hall to discuss the plans today. The Rotherham Private Hire Drivers Association has said installing CCTV ‘must be optional’ and any new conditions should only be considered ‘if the cost is acceptable and reasonable’. A letter representing 52 Hackney cab drivers said the changes could put ‘a lot of drivers out of jobs’ and individuals should be able to choose whether they install CCTV. It added: “If the enforcement department was out occasionally and doing something maybe we wouldn’t need cameras. We have been condemned by association.” The Rotherham Hackney Carriage Association said drivers should be allowed to choose what type of CCTV is installed so it is affordable to all. The shake-up comes after the Jay report revealed the ‘prominent role’ of taxi drivers in the grooming scandal, while the Casey inquiry said taxis needed more effective regulation due to the ‘well-publicised link between taxis and child sexual exploitation in Rotherham that has cast a long shadow over the vast majority of law-abiding drivers’. source: http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/new ... -1-7310127

Author:	Nidge2 [ Wed Jun 17, 2015 2:38 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Abuse victims and drivers clash over CCTV
If they don't like it they've obviously got something to hide.

Author:	trotskys twin [ Wed Jun 17, 2015 3:01 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Abuse victims and drivers clash over CCTV
captain cab wrote: Abuse victims and drivers clash over CCTV plan for Rotherham taxis Abuse victims and their families in Rotherham have welcomed plans to introduce CCTV in all town taxis - but warned ‘not enough’ is being done to tackle child sexual exploitation. In a new letter on planned changes to taxi licensing policies by the council, the group said ‘we feel that even after the amount of coverage the town has received, enough is still not being done - especially by the council’. They are calling for all 800 taxis in the town to be fitted with cameras and all drivers to have more stringent security checks. But cabbies have said they are being ‘condemned by association’ following reports highlighting the role of some taxi drivers in facilitating child sexual exploitation. Commissioners are expected to give the go-ahead today, Tuesday, for cameras to be fitted in taxis, following a public consultation. The idea is being backed by families and survivors of child sexual exploitation, who say the council’s ‘commitment to looking at the issues of taxi companies and drivers is a step in the right direction’. The group has also called for drivers to foot the bill for altering their vehicles on the grounds the costs should be tax-deductible. But taxi drivers have raised concerns about the proposals ahead of a meeting at Rotherham Town Hall to discuss the plans today. The Rotherham Private Hire Drivers Association has said installing CCTV ‘must be optional’ and any new conditions should only be considered ‘if the cost is acceptable and reasonable’. A letter representing 52 Hackney cab drivers said the changes could put ‘a lot of drivers out of jobs’ and individuals should be able to choose whether they install CCTV. It added: “If the enforcement department was out occasionally and doing something maybe we wouldn’t need cameras. We have been condemned by association.” The Rotherham Hackney Carriage Association said drivers should be allowed to choose what type of CCTV is installed so it is affordable to all. The shake-up comes after the Jay report revealed the ‘prominent role’ of taxi drivers in the grooming scandal, while the Casey inquiry said taxis needed more effective regulation due to the ‘well-publicised link between taxis and child sexual exploitation in Rotherham that has cast a long shadow over the vast majority of law-abiding drivers’. source: http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/new ... -1-7310127 CCTV should of course be mandatory and then of course the expense is tax deductable and Rotherham Taxi Drivers CHILDREN WILL BE SAFE .................................AND SURPRISINGLY SO WILL YOU ............................ARE THEY ALL PILLOCKS IN THAT KARSIE ??

Author:	Cabby John 1 [ Wed Jun 17, 2015 8:59 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Abuse victims and drivers clash over CCTV
Nidge2 wrote: If they don't like it they've obviously got something to hide. Not necessarily so. In fairness why should I (being a proper guy/girl) be forced to spend money because of the actions of others? Generally speaking it is usually those who are fortunate to earn enough money Or those who do not have to spend it......are the people shouting for others to spend money that they do not have. I cannot imagine that Rotherham is a place that generates much of a cash surplus to make it affordable without something else having to miss out. If they (the Council/L.A) feel that their drivers are not safe - then it is their system/selection policy that is failing, as such if that is the case, then they should pick up the cost.

Author:	Sussex [ Wed Jun 17, 2015 9:08 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Abuse victims and drivers clash over CCTV
captain cab wrote: The Rotherham Private Hire Drivers Association has said installing CCTV ‘must be optional’ and any new conditions should only be considered ‘if the cost is acceptable and reasonable’. Did these fools miss the Jay and Casey Reports? Are they confident that all the dirty pervert have been removed from their trade? Cos no other f***er is. I would imagine that the taxi/PH trade has been decimated by people keeping well clear of the trade, often for good reason. The price of CCTV is a very small one to pay to reassure the public, and heaven forbid, save drivers from beatings and non payers.

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Author:	Sussex [ Wed Jun 17, 2015 9:09 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Abuse victims and drivers clash over CCTV
Nidge2 wrote: If they don't like it they've obviously got something to hide. Indeed.

Author:	captain cab [ Sun Jun 28, 2015 9:17 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Abuse victims and drivers clash over CCTV
Rotherham taxis drivers strike over new rules Taxi drivers in Rotherham have gone on strike over new regulations requiring them to install CCTV equipment. The council said it was "disappointed" by the decision. The new rules come after the Jay report into child sexual exploitation (CSE) in the town, which said taxis had been used by abusers to traffic victims. The strike action by both private hire and hackney carriage drivers will run from 18:00 BST on Saturday until 06:00 on Sunday. The town has around 50 hackney carriage taxis and 800 private hire vehicles. 'Raising standards' Drivers are concerned about the costs of the rule change and the impact on their personal lives when many also use their vehicles as private cars. Abdul Tariq, chair of the Rotherham Private Hire Association, said: "Why is the majority being penalised for the actions of a minority? "We appreciate what has happened and we can't imagine how the victims [of child sexual exploitation] are feeling but that doesn't mean the trade is corrupt." Commissioner Mary Ney, who is responsible for licensing for Rotherham Council, said: "By making these changes the council is ensuring the protection and safety of the public and rebuilding public confidence in the taxi trade, which currently has a poor reputation. "The proposals within the new policy are all geared to raising the bar in terms of the standards expected by the public and to ensure the public and particularly young people can feel safe using the service" source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-so ... e-33285373

Author:	captain cab [ Sun Jun 28, 2015 9:20 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Abuse victims and drivers clash over CCTV
Quote: Rotherham Private Hire Association Sajid Bostan, 38, has been charged with offences including unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13. Sajid Bostan, Vice Chairman of the Rotherham Private Hire Drivers Association

Author:	toots [ Sun Jun 28, 2015 1:03 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Abuse victims and drivers clash over CCTV
Quote: Abdul Tariq, chair of the Rotherham Private Hire Association, said: "Why is the majority being penalised for the actions of a minority? That's the way it is unfortunately when the minority taint the trade with CSE ffs Quote: "We appreciate what has happened and we can't imagine how the victims [of child sexual exploitation] are feeling but that doesn't mean the trade is corrupt." I guess they can't imagine what it is like to be exploited in this way, but, I bet it is far worse than how the trade feel about having CCTV fitted in their vehicles. Quite right it doesn't mean the trade is corrupt, well not just corrupt, it means elements of your trade are perverts as well. It means that the trade has to regain the confidence of the public and what better way than to have CCTV fitted to all the vehicles Quote: Commissioner Mary Ney, who is responsible for licensing for Rotherham Council, said: "By making these changes the council is ensuring the protection and safety of the public and rebuilding public confidence in the taxi trade, which currently has a poor reputation I actually think she is right to do this, it would be the first thing I would do in these circumstances

Author:	skippy41 [ Sun Jun 28, 2015 1:33 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Abuse victims and drivers clash over CCTV
No CCTV, No Licence, end off

Author:	Midlife martyr [ Sun Jun 28, 2015 2:27 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Abuse victims and drivers clash over CCTV
The one drawback I can see is wont the drivers have control off the camera footage, I know if footage of a reported incident is deleted (accidentally of course) it will look suspicious but without it an allegation won't be able to be proven or disproven, ideally what's needed is some system which operates whenever the meter is on for instance which is sealed just as the meter is.

Author:	Cabby John 1 [ Sun Jun 28, 2015 2:34 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Abuse victims and drivers clash over CCTV
I really cannot understand the mentality that agrees with forcibly causing a man/woman with an expenditure for the benefit of others as in this case. Yes I know about the benefit for a driver i.e protection etc - but we are not in this case on about that! It needs in my opinion for the root cause to be addressed, and that is the total disregard/disrespect that Councils/L.A's have for the trade when giving out badges/licenses! When I went for the Cardiff exam back some years ago there were men taking the exam (maybe not their fault) in clothes that I would not wear out on the garden. We then hear up and down the country of people who cannot speak the English language - I worked in Newport Gwent, there were hackney drivers who could speak the language......but could not read the language ( so how do you read street names/maps!). All of the aforementioned in any other type of job/occupation would have meant that they would not get the position - the exception being the taxi trade whereby you can dress like a tramp, not have to speak the language, in fact they are not checked to see if you can speak/converse. The bottom line being is that it should be treated like any other job/occupation i.e sit down with the person concerned and see if they are suitable for the job. It will not stop it in its entirety but it will go a long way to stopping the unseen police coming into the trade. There is a saying......." Horses for Courses", we know the job is not rocket science - but it does need the right people, unfortunately the masters are not even trying to do that. They then pass the buck with their mealy mouth replies (always blaming some one else) and the trade takes it. As an independent driver I wish to retain my own earnings, I wish to make my own decisions, and I want other people to bugger off and not tell me that I have to spend money because of the actions of others. If the Councils/L.A's wish to make it mandatory as on buses/trains then I do not have a problem with that so long as they pick up the tab - it is their fault, it should be their cost. P.S. Let us face facts - the Councils/L.A's are in essence admitting that they are/have given licenses out to people that they do not trust!...what does that tell you about them?

Author:	toots [ Sun Jun 28, 2015 2:35 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Abuse victims and drivers clash over CCTV
Midlife martyr wrote: The one drawback I can see is wont the drivers have control off the camera footage, I know if footage of a reported incident is deleted (accidentally of course) it will look suspicious but without it an allegation won't be able to be proven or disproven, ideally what's needed is some system which operates whenever the meter is on for instance which is sealed just as the meter is. If they have a proper system they won't be able to delete it because they won't have access to it. Chances are they won't have one of those systems tho

Author:	Sussex [ Sun Jun 28, 2015 4:58 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Abuse victims and drivers clash over CCTV
Well at least if they do go on strike...... The kids will be safe.

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Author:	Nidge2 [ Sun Jun 28, 2015 9:35 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Abuse victims and drivers clash over CCTV
Sussex wrote: Well at least if they do go on strike...... The kids will be safe.