Bromsgrove taxi trade pushes back on mandatory CCTV as consultation findings presented to council
- Perry Richardson
- Mar 22
- 2 min read
Bromsgrove taxi drivers have voiced strong opposition to the introduction of mandatory CCTV in licensed vehicles, according to findings presented in a Licensing Committee report.
Members of Bromsgrove District Council’s Licensing Committee were asked to consider responses gathered through a “light touch consultation” with the local taxi trade, following earlier discussions on whether CCTV should be made compulsory in taxis and private hire vehicles.
The consultation revealed limited support for mandating surveillance systems, with officers reporting that only a small proportion of licensing authorities nationwide, around 8%, have introduced compulsory CCTV requirements. Those that have done so were said to rely on specific evidence or intelligence to justify the move.
Cost pressures emerged as a central concern among respondents. Further analysis presented to the committee indicated that compliant CCTV systems would cost approximately £500 for equipment, with installation adding a further £100 to £150. These costs come at a time when drivers are already facing rising operational expenses and increased competition from app-based operators and out-of-area licensed vehicles.
Majority of drivers oppose compulsory in-vehicle surveillance citing costs and lack of evidence
Feedback from the consultation also highlighted that 63% of respondents would not welcome a mandatory CCTV policy. Some drivers indicated they might reconsider their position if financial support were made available, while a minority had already adopted CCTV voluntarily under existing council provisions.
The committee was also told that CCTV is primarily viewed by regulators as a tool for safeguarding passengers rather than drivers. Officers noted that drivers already receive mandatory safeguarding training, which includes guidance on personal safety measures.
Members raised concerns about the absence of wider public consultation, suggesting that passenger views should also be considered when assessing whether CCTV improves safety perceptions. Officers confirmed that the exercise carried out was not a formal consultation but a targeted engagement with the taxi trade.
Despite ongoing discussions at both local and national level, officers advised that there remains no clear evidence base to support mandating CCTV across the fleet. Committee members ultimately acknowledged that introducing such a requirement could place additional financial strain on drivers without demonstrable safety benefits.
