Government are considering national minimum standards for taxi CCTV under new Devolution Bill, says minister
- Perry Richardson
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Government has confirmed it will consider mandating in-vehicle CCTV in licensed taxis and private hire vehicles if new regulatory powers proposed in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill are approved by Parliament.
Responding to a written question from Joe Robertson, Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said the Bill seeks to grant the Secretary of State powers to set national minimum standards for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing.
Greenwood told the House of Commons: “The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill seeks a power for the Secretary of State to set in regulations national minimum standards for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing. The power was approved by the House of Commons and the Bill is now being considered by the House of Lords. Should Parliament enable the setting of standards, mandating CCTV in vehicles will be considered as part of that process.”
The proposed legislation would represent a significant shift in taxi and private hire vehicle regulation in England, where licensing standards are currently set by individual local authorities. Operators and drivers are often subject to varying requirements depending on the licensing area, including differing policies on CCTV installation.
Minister says in-vehicle CCTV could form part of future national licensing standards if Parliament grants new powers
Several councils already require CCTV in licensed vehicles citing passenger and driver safety. However, there is no national mandate, and requirements differ widely. Industry bodies have previously called for greater consistency to reduce compliance complexity, particularly for operators working across multiple licensing jurisdictions.
For fleet operators and self-employed drivers, any future national CCTV requirement would carry cost implications. Installation and maintenance expenses, as well as data protection compliance obligations, could affect operating margins. At the same time, some insurers offer reduced premiums where approved CCTV systems are fitted, potentially offsetting part of the outlay.
The Bill’s progress through the House of Lords will determine whether the Secretary of State ultimately gains the authority to impose national minimum standards. If enacted, secondary legislation would be required before any specific requirement, including CCTV, becomes mandatory.
The Department for Transport has not set out a timetable for potential regulations, and no formal consultation on CCTV standards has yet been announced.
