Taxi cams move a step closer-Worcester

by **Admin** Sat 10 Nov 2007 - 10:37

Taxi cams move a step closer
Tim Clarke
09 November 2007

PLANS to install CCTV cameras in the city's taxis have moved a step closer despite opposition from many drivers.
The city council's cabinet has decided to press ahead with making the installation of CCTV a condition of licence in an effort to curb the number of attacks on drivers and safeguard customers.
But Anne Murphy, secretary of Worcester Taxi Drivers' Association, said drivers were unhappy at the prospect of charging customers about an extra 10p in every journey to help cover the cost of the scheme.
And she accused the city council of deflecting attention away from more pressing issues such as the high number of taxis in the city and the illegal use of taxi ranks by unlicensed vehicles.
"The idea that this might be made a condition of the licence is not acceptable," Ms Murphy told cabinet members.
"There are some drivers who are adamant they will not have them. The issue of paying for them is very upsetting to drivers." Ms Murphy told The Standard many drivers were already struggling to make a living because there were simply too many taxis in the city.
"Worcester has too many cars on the fleet," she said.
"Per head of population Worcester has almost twice what other similar areas have."
But councillor Francis Lankester, cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said CCTV was needed to protect drivers and customers.
"It's a sad reflection of the way our country is going," said Coun Lankester.
"In Worcester we have not had a fatality although we very easily could have because of a number of serious assaults."
"We recognise by making the scheme applicable to all cabs we are taking away a measure of choice but we believe it's so important to make sure all customers and drivers are safe."
David Wareing, the council's chief executive, said the concerns raised by Ms Murphy had not been ignored and were still being investigated. Footage from the cameras would be stored on a secure chip that could only be accessed by the police. The final decision on whether the scheme can be implemented will be made by the licensing department.