Can't be bothered thinking about whether the councillor is right here about the rural/urban risks...
But the rationale here may have something to do with cars plating in New Forest and then going to work in Southampton, where CCTV is compulsory (ditto the door signage stuff, according to what's said in the comments)
(Which is probably why it's stated below that the door signage rules are to be changed, and that 'neighbouring authorities' were consulted about the changes...)
Therefore uniform standards between the two authorities would close down the cross-border angle, or at least alleviate it.
Except that, according to the comments, there are also Wolves-plated cars working in Southampton to avoid the CCTV rules etc
Close one door, and another opens
Calls for CCTV in taxis because of greater rural riskhttps://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/248504 ... ural-risk/Introducing a requirement for taxis licensed in the New Forest to have CCTV will be subject to further consideration in the future.New Forest District Council is currently reviewing its rules for taxis, with a draft revised policy being discussed at local authority meetings.
There are currently no requirements in the draft policy for CCTV to be installed in licensed vehicles, unlike some other authorities in Hampshire.
A report to the general purposes and licensing committee on Friday, January 10, said introducing such a policy would need to be evidence led.
Further consultation would take place following the outcome of a future review, which would assess the cost of equipment and implications on the control of data, the report said.
Committee member Cllr Steve Clark said he accepted this position but added it was an area that needed to be monitored.
“If you look at all forms of public transport now, buses, trains, everything, they all have CCTV,” the Conservative councillor said.
“The cost of CCTV equipment over the years has come down quite considerably and it wouldn’t be onerous I think to have CCTV installed within taxi vehicles.
“This is for the benefit of not just the public, but it is for the benefit of the drivers as well because we see a number of complaints and issues around drivers made from the public, which on occasion can be quite unfair to the drivers.”
Liberal Democrat councillor David Harrison said it did not seem “very sensible” to have mandatory taxi cameras for vehicles licensed with neighbouring Southampton City Council and not in the New Forest.
Cllr Harrison said: “If anything, the risks are greater in the New Forest. A rural type area where things can happen not within the sight of the public who might intervene or deter these things.
“I would like the council to consider this aspect although it is obviously not for today.”
The draft taxi policy amendments came together after consultation with licence holders, neighbouring authorities, union representatives and the public.
Cllr Clark said he supported the accommodation of views from the industry, with the proposed changes working for the safety of the public and the trade itself.
Alterations included improving driver standards with an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service update scheme, enhanced fit and proper checks for drivers and operators, and a code of conduct for driver behaviour and appearance.
Changes are also proposed on the age of licensed vehicles and door signage on private hire vehicles.
After receiving the backing of the general purposes and licensing committee, the amended draft taxi policy will be recommended for approval at full council next month.
Login
Register
FAQ
