Taxi boss flags safety concerns over plan to remove compulsory CCTV cameras from cabs

A taxi boss has flagged safety concerns over proposals to remove compulsory CCTV cameras from cabs in Warrington as part of a review on taxi licensing policy.

Warrington Borough Council is inviting drivers and members of the public to take part in a consultation on proposed changes to its taxi licensing policy.
The policy sets out how the council will carry out its duties, having regard to national legislation, standards and good practice.
A key proposal is the shift from mandatory CCTV installation in all council-licensed taxis to a discretionary policy, aligning Warrington with many other local authorities.
In response to the proposals, Dave Hatton, who runs Direct Taxis in Warrington said: “The main point in the changes is the intention to remove the need for compulsory cameras where the council is the data holder and replace with the option to have cameras installed.
“I’d like to know what do the councillors who are voting on the change think, what do the local police think and what do the trade think?
“In our opinion, these changes are being made to simplify the application system and generate more revenue in order to safeguard our licencing department, clearly we support our Licencing department but now that these drivers have moved to another Authority it is unlikely that they will return.
He added: “Whilst overall I am happy with the majority of the changes within the policy I am strongly opposed to the removal of mandatory CCTV, I have never worked in a industry where I have been told that things are too safe and know first hand that the CCTV has been used on numerous occasions to assist in convictions.
Whilst the CCTV is a large cost on the setting up of a licensed vehicle, it is all tax deductible and worth every penny.
“How do you think that scrapping it will have any impact on the number of vehicles licences by WBC? I have carried out a small survey where I asked drivers who had moved away from WBC would they come back if CCTV was dropped and the overwhelming response was…NO!”

Meanwhile, WBC say the key proposal to shift away from mandatory CCTV installation in all council-licensed taxis to a discretionary policy, is to align Warrington with many other local authorities.
Warrington was one of the first areas in the country to introduce mandatory CCTV in taxis in 2016, demonstrating a strong commitment to public and driver safety. However, the council has a responsibility to keep its policy under review and seek peoples’ views, taking into account changes to legislation and circumstances. At the same time, our commitment to public safety remains.
The deregulation of the taxi industry has led to an increase in taxis licensed outside Warrington operating within the borough. These vehicles may not adhere to the same CCTV standards, reducing the effectiveness of Warrington’s current mandatory policy.
Additionally, changes in public booking habits and the rising cost of living for taxi drivers have been taken into consideration. The council recognises that the cost of mandatory CCTV installation places a financial burden on local drivers, making obtaining a licence more expensive compared to other areas.

Key proposals around CCTV within the revised policy include:

• Discretionary CCTV policy – Moving from mandatory to discretionary CCTV installation.
• Continued use of existing CCTV – Drivers with existing CCTV systems will be permitted to continue using them, subject to the outcome of the consultation.
• Operator discretion – Operators will retain the option to install CCTV in new vehicles, provided they implement appropriate data protection measures.
• Temporary suspension – During the consultation period, the mandatory CCTV requirement will be temporarily suspended for new and replacement vehicles.
• Robust background checks – The council will maintain rigorous driver, operator, and vehicle suitability assessments, including national database checks for prior licensing refusals or revocations.

Warrington Borough Council Leader and cabinet member for transport, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “We value the essential service our taxi trade provides to residents, workers, and visitors and the important role local companies play in our transport network.
“Regular reviews of our taxi licensing policy help ensure it remains relevant and proportionate in a changing landscape and balances the needs of the trade with our commitment to public safety.
“This consultation includes a proposal to move away from mandatory CCTV in taxis, a change intended to reflect evolving circumstances and align with practices in other areas. However, this proposed change does not reduce our dedication to protecting the safety of both drivers and passengers.
“We encourage everyone to review the proposed changes and share their views. Your feedback will help shape a licensing policy that effectively serves Warrington while prioritising the safety and well-being of all those who rely on our taxi services.”
Warrington’s revised ‘hackney carriage/private hire taxi licensing’ policy is available to read at warrington.gov.uk/taxi-consult. You can get involved in the consultation and have your say by:

• Completing the online survey
• Emailing your views to [email protected] or calling 01925 984728
• Writing to: Warrington Borough Council, Draft Revised Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Taxi Licensing Policy, East Annex, Town Hall. Sankey Street, WA1 1UH

If you’d like to discuss the proposed draft policy before completing the consultation questionnaire, you can visit one of our drop-in sessions at Warrington Town Hall on the following dates: