Cabbies urged to install CCTV

Cabbies urged to install CCTV

Richard Marsden

Published Date: 06 February 2010
By Richard Marsden
A CAMPAIGN has been launched in Rotherham to encourage cabbies to fit CCTV cameras in an attempt to improve driver safety.
CCTV systems are being offered for rent from £5 a week and can be used to record verbal or physical assaults.

The cameras can act as a deterrent and footage can be used as evidence to bring offenders to justice.

Rotherham Council's licensing team is urging taxi and private hire drivers to have cameras installed.

Brian Crabtree, of Crabacabs, Maltby, said: "I decided to have the cameras installed in my vehicles to give both myself and my passengers an added level of personal security.

"From a personal point of view, the system protects me in the event of any allegation that maybe made against me and also deters anyone carrying out a verbal or physical assault because I can just press a small button and record any incident.

"This can then be handed over to the licensing authority or police to assist in any investigation."

Deborah Bragg, licensing manager for Rotherham Council, said: "We are working closely with trade representatives and South Yorkshire Police to encourage drivers to consider installing such devices in their vehicles."

Coun Peter Wootton, chairman of Rotherham Licensing Board, said: "CCTV would certainly increase the safety of everyone using local taxis.

"Unfortunately, we do have cases where local drivers have been attacked so we are encouraging companies to install these kind of systems. They also provide back-up evidence in other incidents, such as when passengers refuse to pay the fare."

http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Cabbies-urged-to-install-CCTV.6047916.jp