Taxis to become safer – for drivers and passengers

TAXIS in Warrington will start having CCTV cameras installed from the beginning of next month.
The aim is to improve safety and reduce fear of crime for both drivers and passengers.
Warrington Borough Council has introduced the measure following consultation with taxi drivers, members of the public and other partner agencies with a fundamental purpose to improve safety and welfare for the public and drivers.
It brings taxis into line with other means of public transport such as buses and trains which already use CCTV.
Cllr Judith Guthrie, the council’s lead member for environment and public protection, said: “The taxi hire trade provides a valuable public service, especially late at night when other forms of public transport are not always available. Security for drivers and passengers is of a high priority. The cameras will act hopefully as a deterrent to prevent any crime happening and help those most vulnerable to feel safer.
“The council is also aware that the taxi/private hire sector is becoming increasingly competitive following steps to deregulate the taxi licensing regime. It is in the best interests of the council and our local businesses to demonstrate that licensed operators in Warrington operate to the highest standards, providing a quality service, in order that they can remain commercially competitive.”
The cameras will also improve the likely detection of crime and to increase the likelihood of achieving justice for those who are a victim of crime. It will also help protect drivers from being subject to verbal abuse, malicious complaint, hate crimes or even serious assault.
Eugene Kelly, co-owner of Lymmited Taxis & Minibuses with his partner Imtiaz Quyyam, said: “I think it is a great move and I am fully behind it. There are no cons to this, it is good news for drivers and passengers. Passengers who get in our cars that have the cameras also say they think it is a great idea and how much more comfortable they feel.
It is especially good for lone women travelling, it will definitely make them feel more comfortable.”
Dave Brownlee, of ‘We Care Travel’, agreed. He said: “I very happy with the camera. I feel more confident and I know my customers do to. One lady who got in my cab last week liked the idea so much she said when she rings for a cab in future  she will always ask for one that already has a camera installed. I got my camera put in as soon as I heard about it even though my MOT is not due until the end of the year.”
From June 1, as taxis’ six monthly/annual vehicle tests become due they will have the appropriate (Licensing Authority approved) CCTV cameras installed. Bright yellow stickers will be displayed on all passenger windows so passengers are aware of the presence of a camera before they get in the car.
The images captured will be protected through using encrypted software which will guard against any data loss or data breaches. The images will be kept for 14 days and will be automatically overwritten after this period. The angle of recording will be focussed on the cab to ensure footage only captures events inside the cab and not any
passers-by outside.
The system will not routinely record sound. The driver can choose to record sound for a period of no longer than 15 minutes in the event of an incident. Audio recording will only be permitted for use when the driver believes it is in the interest of his or a passenger’s safety or for the purpose of protecting his livelihood. The driver will be instructed to allow the 15 minute period to end before taking a new passenger who is unrelated to the original incident.
Installation costs for the cameras range from £382 – £410 with a lease hire option of about £5 a week. Self-employed taxi drivers can also claim a refund of the CCTV installation costs from the HMRC which can be offset against their tax claim.
For further information on the council’s CCTV in taxis policy visit www.warrington.gov.uk/info/201255/taxi_licensing/2240/cctv