CCTV in taxis and private hire vehicles to be ‘explored’ as part of nationwide safety reforms, says minister
- Perry Richardson
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that the role of CCTV in taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) will be “explored” as part of wider legislative efforts to address inconsistencies in driver licensing standards.
The comments were made by Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the DfT, in response to a written question from Independent MP Rupert Lowe. The MP for Great Yarmouth asked whether the Government planned to assess the merits of mandating CCTV in all licensed vehicles.
Lightwood pointed to the Government’s commitment to act on the findings of the Baroness Casey report, which reviewed systemic failures in tackling group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse. The report called out the fragmented licensing framework, with varied standards across local authorities and inconsistent safeguards for passengers.
The Minister confirmed that as part of future reforms, the Government will consider all options — including the introduction of national licensing standards. CCTV in vehicles will form part of those considerations.
Baroness Louise Casey’s 2023 report highlighted concerns that weak regulation and disjointed enforcement across councils had left passengers — particularly vulnerable individuals — at risk. The investigation pointed to a lack of information sharing between licensing bodies and inconsistent vetting of drivers.
While the report did not specifically recommend CCTV, it set a direction of travel towards stronger, centralised safeguards. Any move to mandate CCTV would likely form part of this broader response.
From within the taxi and PHV sectors, CCTV remains one of the most divisive topics. Proponents argue it offers protection for both drivers and passengers, acting as a deterrent and providing evidence in the event of disputes or allegations.
Operators and insurers have also raised the benefits of clearer incident resolution, potentially reducing claim costs and disputes.
However, some drivers question the need for mandatory systems across all vehicles. Concerns centre around cost, data security, and the principle of being filmed during every shift. There is also frustration about who would control access to footage, and whether councils or police would respond consistently when footage is needed.
Privacy and proportionality also play a part. For many, the idea of constant surveillance in a workplace — particularly one as personal as a driver’s vehicle — raises questions about balance and fairness.
Lightwood said: “In response to Baroness Casey’s report on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, the Government committed to legislate to address the important issues raised, tackling the inconsistent standards of taxi and private hire vehicle driver licensing. We will work as quickly as possible and consider all options – including national standards – seeking the best overall outcomes for passenger safety. CCTV in vehicles will naturally be explored as part of these considerations.”
