CAMERA CALL: Retired taxi driver Paul Howarth urged other drivers to get CCTV fitted after he had a knife held to his throat
New CCTV rules giving council chiefs access to images filmed inside taxis could be drawn up for firms across South Ribble.
Members of the council’s licensing committee are set to discuss whether to draw up a policy on cameras in Hackney carriage and private hire vehicles across the borough.
Officers say the cameras could help catch anyone who verbally or physically attacks a driver or runs off without paying.
And the pictures and sound could also be used to investigate allegations made against drivers.
The policy could give police and licensing officers at the council access to pictures taken by the cameras.
Councillors will discuss the move at a meeting on Thursday, but have insisted it will not be mandatory for CCTV to be introduced.
Members of the trade today said a decision to introduce and use cameras should be down to individual companies.
Gary Sherlow, manager of Leyland Taxis, in Bracconash Road, said: “From my point of view it should be up to the individuals as opposed to being a policy. They put so many regulations forward the only thing that surprises me is they don’t make us have pilot licences.
“I have even thought about it myself because I have been attacked a couple of times, but it is just expense on top of expense.”
But an employee at another South Ribble taxi firm, who asked not to be named, said: “One of our drivers was hijacked in town four or five months ago.
“He put CCTV in his car after that. I think it is a good thing.”
The council has confirmed that a policy is being considered because some cars in the borough already have CCTV – but their use is not regulated.
It would mean licensing officers and the police could have access to the images to investigate allegations. But firms would not be made to install cameras.
A report to members of the committee states: “The benefits of CCTV operating inside a taxi are clear in terms of providing protection for the driver and deterring passengers from decamping without paying.”
source: http://www.lep.co.uk/news/