Colchester opens consultation on future of taxi CCTV
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 5
- 2 min read
Colchester City Council has launched a public consultation seeking views on whether CCTV should be installed in licensed taxis across the city.
The move follows a detailed policy review by the council’s Licensing Committee, which decided not to make CCTV installation mandatory at this stage. Instead, the council is encouraging its voluntary use, with supporting guidance in place to ensure operators and drivers understand their responsibilities under data protection law.
The council said the guidance aims to balance public safety with privacy and cost concerns. While CCTV can act as a deterrent and aid investigations, officials noted that the low number of reported incidents in licensed vehicles makes it difficult to justify the costs and legal oversight that would follow compulsory implementation.
Making CCTV mandatory would place the council in the role of legal data controller for all footage, bringing additional financial and regulatory burdens. Drivers and operators would also face ongoing equipment, maintenance and compliance costs.
The current position aligns with national policy and reflects the approach already taken by neighbouring local authorities.
The consultation is open until 6 November 2025. Residents, drivers and operators are being encouraged to take part and share their views on how best to shape the future of taxi safety in Colchester.
Cllr Jocelyn Law, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Public Protection, said: “We’re committed to supporting the safety of both drivers and passengers. The Licensing Committee voted to encourage the voluntary installation of CCTV as a way we can help to strengthen that safety without creating unnecessary financial or administrative pressure for the trade or the council.
“The public consultation is an important part of shaping this approach, and we encourage anyone with an interest in this issue to take part and share their views.”
