Taxi Driver Online

December 1, 2006 Friday

HEADLINE: 'Spy in the cab' to curb assaults on taxi drivers

MORE than pounds 40,000 is being spent putting security cameras in Coventry cabs. It's part of a crackdown on violent and racist thugs who target taxi drivers.

The cameras aim to prevent attacks such as that on cabbie Harvinder Gata-Aura, who was bitten on the face and ear as he drove in Hinckley Road, Walsgrave, in February. The father-of-two needed about 40 stitches.

As well as assaults, taxi drivers are also the target of verbal abuse, much of it racist, according to the city's drivers' association.

Some 50 Hackney Carriages will be fitted out with hi-tech CCTV cameras. They will be installed by early next year, record images and sound and will provide vital evidence to police.

Pat Royle, vice chairman of the Coventry Taxi Association, which has 420 members, said: "It's a brilliant idea. "People who work late at night have got that added security of the cameras. If they see CCTV signs in our cabs, they know to leave us alone."

The first of the cameras is being installed on Monday and most will be in use by Christmas.

They are being given to night drivers on a free lease.

Cash for the scheme is coming from the Coventry Community Safety Partnership, which brings together the city council, police and other bodies to tackle crime and disorder.

Cllr Andy Matchet, of Coventry City Council, said: "Night-time drivers, who already work unsociable hours, too often have to put up with unacceptable behaviour from drunken passengers.

"The CCTV systems we are installing will capture evidence of abuse and crime if committed within the taxi. "Ultimately the project should prevent incidents from happening in the first place."
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Well done to all involved.

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IDFIMH