Arun District Council launches consultation on compulsory CCTV in taxis and private hire vehicles
- Perry Richardson
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Arun District Council is considering the introduction of mandatory CCTV in all licensed Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles across the region.
A public consultation has opened asking for views from residents, drivers and local businesses on new proposals aimed at improving safety for both passengers and drivers. The consultation runs from Monday 3 November until 29 November.
The main proposals include the installation of CCTV systems capable of both audio and video recording in all licensed vehicles. In addition, panic buttons would be installed for both drivers and passengers. These buttons would trigger recording in the event of a safety concern or incident.
The council says it is responding to local concerns about safety in licensed vehicles and wants to gather a range of views before any final decision is made. Once the consultation closes, councillors on the Licensing Committee will review the findings before deciding whether to bring in the new measures.
A spokesperson for Arun District Council said: “We’re looking into local concerns around passenger and driver safety by asking residents, drivers and businesses to complete a brief survey on proposed changes to safety standards for licensed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles.”
The proposals follow a wider national trend of local authorities considering or adopting CCTV requirements in licensed vehicles. While some see it as a vital safeguarding tool, others have raised concerns about privacy and the cost to drivers of installing the equipment.
The council has not yet specified whether financial support or guidance would be offered to drivers should the installation of CCTV become mandatory.
The survey is open to all and can be accessed online. Those taking part are being asked for their views on the benefits and potential drawbacks of CCTV in licensed vehicles, as well as the practical implications of such a policy.
The outcome of the consultation and the final decision will have implications for all current and future vehicle licence holders in the Arun district.
Councillor Billy Blanchard Cooper, Chair of the Licencing Committee, said: “We are undertaking this consultation to understand what customers, drivers and taxi operators think about installing CCTV in all Arun licensed taxis.
“This consultation follows statutory guidance which requires local authorities to consult so they can determine whether CCTV would have more of a positive or negative impact on the safety of those driving taxis or using them.
“That's why we're asking you to give us feedback to guide us towards a safer environment for drivers and customers.”
