Taxi Driver Online

Drivers’ demo over taxi cameras in Southampton

TAXI drivers angry at being forced to have “big brother” cameras in their cars that record footage and conversations were due to stage a demo today.

The drivers are set to circle the Civic Centre in Southampton at about 11am for half an hour.

The action comes after the city council vowed to appeal a court ruling in favour of taxi boss Keith May.

A district judge agreed that the CCTV, a compulsory licensing requirement, breaches the human right to privacy.

Trade union Unite’s cab section today backed the cabbies but condemned the council’s decision to appeal.

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IDFIMH

That should do the trick.

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IDFIMH

Surely the much feted 'Human rights' comes into play here.If they don't want it they shouldn't have to have it.

Simples!!!!

The council will just be waiting to catch a cabbie slagging them off and then bring down their sledgehammer powers on them.

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'I wouldn't say I was the best in the business but I'm in the top one'

I don't think the CCTV works like that. Unless something happens no one will ever see the footage.

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Grandad,

Quite sure it's not above the council officers principles to have a mystery shopper promote inciting conversation with "Targeted" drivers.

In London the £700 + 'approved' systems don't record sound.

My £40 non approved one does though, and I think it's invaluable if you ever receive a complaint.

That'll do nowt drive up the M3 in convoy at 30mph in the rush hour with news cameras watching that will bring the council to the negotiating table !

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

Not long after these cameras were made compulsory in Southampton, a driver had his license revoked for verbally abusing some elderly lady passengers. It was posted on the BBC website and was at one time on the Souther Daily Echo site. The fottoage was shocking.

I had an incident recently where a passenger started to open the rear door, a passing van driver panicked, swerved and hit some scaffolding. There was ample room for him to have passed safely and I think CCTV footage would have helped me.

I'm on the fence on this one.

I'm not on the fence.

I think drivers are silly not to have CCTV.

Saves lives and livelihoods.

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IDFIMH

The ones that are against it probably have something to hide.

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Grandad,

To clarify, its the compulsory bit I'm on the fence about.

The problem with cctv is that those in control of the footage can select which bits to use and consequently the whole truth doesn't always come out usually to the detriment of the driver

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

It should be left to the driver if they want CCTV in their cars. As for having something to hide by not wanting cameras in my car...not me, i just want my car to be my own little space with no intrusions or spies...except customers of course. Remember when CCTV first came about? It was for our safety and would help reduce crime. Well from my experience it only helps in evidence, it does not necessarily prevent crime. But now we know the real reason for CCTV in the last few years it is being used to fine people for minor infringements in other words its a money machine. Who is to say cameras in cabs wont be used in the same way in the future .Remember most cabs are used for private purposes aswell. The goverment and LAs have enough powers as it is and they abuse that power. My car is my work place it is where i have solitude and time to think, sometimes aloud.

The problem that arises if it's not compulsory is that the bad guys wont install it.

I'm 100% certain that piece of scum that abused those ladies in Southampton wouldn't have install it voluntarily.

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IDFIMH

I certainly don't have anything to hide.It's just knowing what councils are like I happen to think it's an unwanted intrusion.
If I felt it was a requirement for my personal safety then I would make the investment.I don't however.
I do admit that although a hackney driver it is a complete rarity for me to hit the ranks these days so I really have no need for it.
Bottom line though is if councils make this mandatory THEY should pay for it.

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'I wouldn't say I was the best in the business but I'm in the top one'