CCTV in taxis could make a 'real difference'

CCTV in taxis would "make every journey safer" for drivers and passengers alike, according to a Peterborough councillor.

Daisy Blakemore-Creedon, who represents the Fletton and Woodston ward, is calling for CCTV cameras to be installed in taxis and private hire vehicles.

According to the latest government figures, only 8% of authorities in the UK have a requirement for all licensed taxis to have CCTV fitted, equating to 21 out of 266.

"CCTV can make a real difference," said the Independent councillor, who resigned from the Labour Group at the beginning of May.

"It deters bad behaviour, helps resolve disputes, and gives people more confidence to get home safely, especially late at night, Ms Blakemore-Creedon said.

"Drivers deserve that security too - many work alone, often in vulnerable situations.

"This is a simple, sensible step that would make a big impact. I believe we owe it to each other to make every journey safer."

In December Peterborough City Council voted against the CCTV plan, following strong opposition from many drivers.

Jake Carter, a hackney carriage driver in Peterborough, said he had mixed feelings about the proposal.

"My first thoughts were that it sounds like a sensible thing to do because you're putting extra safety and security in place," he said.

"But after speaking to some of the other drivers and thinking a bit more myself, I think the concerns are that the cost of this CCTV equipment has to be borne by the drivers.

"You can't just install the cheapest system, you've got to go with the one recommended by the council."

Mr Carter said there concerns too that the CCTV would have to remain on, even when drivers are using their taxis as their own private vehicles.

As reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he also said there were already safety measures in place on hackney carriages, "which mitigate the risks".

"If it was to be worked a bit differently where a council took the cost and allowed drivers more flexibility about when the CCTV could be switched on or off, then it might be something the drivers would consider," he said.

"It should be sold as benefiting the drivers as much as benefitting the public."

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