Lancashire Taxi Drivers Debate Vehicle Surveillance Equipment Plans
Taxi drivers in the South Ribble area of Lancashire are currently in talks over the use of surveillance equipment in taxis.
In addition to provided drivers with extra peace of mind- especially during the night- it is thought that giving the police and council access to footage could also help in putting a stop to anti- social behaviour and violence in taxis.
Fare dodgers who escape the taxi without paying could also be stopped dead in their tracks through the introduction of surveillance equipment.
Discussions are set to be held in the coming days, although it is thought that even if the plans do get the go-ahead, installing surveillance equipment won’t be compulsory, and taxi firms and black cab drivers will be given the choice to install it at their discretion.
A pre- meeting report 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.”
One taxi firm manager has mixed views on the proposals though, and commented that he could see the positives and negatives to installing the equipment. He 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.”
A decision is expected to be made in the very near future.