Taxi Driver Online

Cabbies urged to install CCTV

A CAMPAIGN has been launched in Rotherham to encourage cabbies to fit CCTV cameras in an attempt to improve driver safety.

CCTV systems are being offered for rent from £5 a week and can be used to record verbal or physical assaults.

The cameras can act as a deterrent and footage can be used as evidence to bring offenders to justice.

Rotherham Council's licensing team is urging taxi and private hire drivers to have cameras installed.

Brian Crabtree, of Crabacabs, Maltby, said: "I decided to have the cameras installed in my vehicles to give both myself and my passengers an added level of personal security.

"From a personal point of view, the system protects me in the event of any allegation that maybe made against me and also deters anyone carrying out a verbal or physical assault because I can just press a small button and record any incident.

"This can then be handed over to the licensing authority or police to assist in any investigation."

Deborah Bragg, licensing manager for Rotherham Council, said: "We are working closely with trade representatives and South Yorkshire Police to encourage drivers to consider installing such devices in their vehicles."

Coun Peter Wootton, chairman of Rotherham Licensing Board, said: "CCTV would certainly increase the safety of everyone using local taxis.

"Unfortunately, we do have cases where local drivers have been attacked so we are encouraging companies to install these kind of systems. They also provide back-up evidence in other incidents, such as when passengers refuse to pay the fare."

source: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Not bad for £5 a week. If they got more drivers signed up will they lower the price??

Better still let the drivers pay £5 per week to buy them. £5 per week until retirement makes it a very expensive rent.

_________________
if you cannot be yourself, then who can you be.

If the £5 a week is all in and it's under warranty while you are renting it then it seems like a good deal.

A very small price to pay for keeping your health and your livelihood.

_________________
IDFIMH

I think you are missing the point. As ever buying is cheaper.........renting @ 5 years = £1300 @ 10 years = £2600 and so on.

Yes your health and livelihood are important..............but you are also business people at the end of the day.........or perhaps not!

_________________
if you cannot be yourself, then who can you be.

Come on John your showing your true Welsh colours now mate It's only £1.40 a day. If you want the system I'll pay for it mate.

Maybe you are right on the system in question.

However the GMB rental deal is a three year deal at £25 a month, and it's then yours.

_________________
IDFIMH

Well if you want the true figure it is 71.428571p per day But ! I would not rent a TV, a washing machine or anything else. Buying is always the cheaper option and in my case the money is there, on that basis I would rather the money in my pocket than someone elses as we are the ones that earn it in the first place. Down here we have been quoted £600/700 and I am sure that there are many a lot cheaper, over 5 years you could buy 2/3 if you so wished and have change if you bought as opposed to renting.

_________________
if you cannot be yourself, then who can you be.

The problem is that the trade isn't chock a block with folks with a spare £6/700 for a decent CCTV system.

Yes there are a lot cheaper, saw one little thing the other day for under £100.

But the system needs to be robust and guaranteed to work properly, which is why renting is another good reason, as the rent includes maintenance.

However it's down to what folks want, or think they need. That is until someone get killed locally. Then views drastically change.

_________________
IDFIMH

would renting not be tax deductible, making it a better option?

_________________
My heart is heavy, but my consience clear,
I voted Yes, without any fear.

Of course, in the same way as any other legitimate expense is tax deductible.

_________________
IDFIMH

Purchasing is also tax deductible in its entirety. It is horses for courses, but if you do have the finance OR you can borrow the money then you are always going to be financially better off if you buy.

Most if not all will come with a warranty, so maintenance should initially not be a problem.

_________________
if you cannot be yourself, then who can you be.

At the end of the day renting is another option therefore making it more accessible for drivers to install CCTV. More options = more choices.

_________________
Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!