Calls for CCTV to be installed in taxishttps://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/loca ... is-1624853Safety for passengers - or an invasion of privacy?Taxi drivers in North Somerset are being encouraged to install CCTV cameras in their vehicles under a new licensing policy being considered.
North Somerset Council is consulting on its Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing policy for 2018-2023.
Under the new policy the installation of video and sound monitoring equipment would not be compulsory, but would be encouraged by the authority.
It comes after some local authorities across the country faced backlash over privacy concerns after they opted to make the installation of CCTV compulsory.
North Somerset Council has said the decision is “best left to the judgement of the owners and drivers themselves”.
In the draft policy document the council has said installing cameras may be of benefit when it comes to ensuring passenger and driver safety.
The policy reads: “Lone female passengers can be vulnerable especially late at night and female drivers may be more likely to seek employment with proprietors who have CCTV installed in their vehicles.
“Installation of CCTV cameras may have a positive impact on reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.
"It provides an additional tool for the identification of persons travelling in a private hire or Hackney Carriage vehicle. This would be beneficial to passengers, drivers and the police.”
North Somerset has said drivers and organisations will be encouraged to consider the installation of CCTV on a “voluntary basis”.
But any driver or operator that chooses to use recording equipment within the vehicle will be responsible for handling the relevant data gathered in an “appropriate and secure manner”.
Any vehicle with CCTV must also have signage making passengers aware that they are being filmed or recorded.
The consultation for the licensing policy closes on Monday, July 2 and members of the public are invited to give their views.
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