Cabbies may install CCTV in their taxis
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CAB drivers in Southend hope to install CCTV equipment in their cabs to protect themselves from false allegations by passengers.
Dave Clift, the secretary of the Southend Licensed Taxi Driver Association, is investigating possible sources of funding to have the technology installed in cabs.
He said drivers could handle the verbal and physical abuse from passengers, but said they needed protection against any allegations by their passengers.
He said: “We’re all big boys and you can get over a fat lip from any physical abuse in a couple of days. But any allegations involving children or young women can take forever to get over.”
Mr Clift says CCTV equipment for a cab can cost anywhere between £200 and £1,000. He added: “I’ve had CCTV in my cab for years and it is there to protect me.
“But at the same time it is there to reassure mothers of any young children who may travel alone in my cab or any young females.”
He said the scheme was not compulsory, but if he found a source of funding he would offer it to fellow drivers in the area. He said: “Only about half a dozen cabs have CCTV at the moment.”
Mr Clift pointed to many incidents throughout the UK where cabbies had faced harrowing inquiries following false allegations.
Basildon Council has subsidised cab drivers in the town and has contributed towards the cost of the cameras.
Southend Council leader Nigel Holdcroft is a supporter of Mr Clift’s initiative, but said no funds would be available.
He said: “In principle, it seems a very sensible idea.
“However, the council will not be able to help with funding because any precedent it sets, like shops wanting similar help, will put pressure on our budget.”
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