Peterborough councillor pushes for mandatory CCTV in ALL UK taxis and private hire vehicles
- Perry Richardson
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
A Peterborough councillor has launched a campaign calling for CCTV to be made mandatory in all licensed taxis and private hire vehicles across the UK.
Cllr Daisy Blakemore-Creedon, who represents the Fletton and Woodston ward as an independent, believes CCTV would make both passengers and drivers feel safer. The move, she says, would improve confidence in the trade and reduce the risk of disputes or harm.
Blakemore-Creedon has launched a public petition backing her proposal. She says current arrangements are inconsistent. As of April 2024, just 8% of licensing authorities in England require CCTV in all taxis, with only 7% doing so for private hire vehicles.
She argues that most journeys take place without any video coverage, leaving both drivers and passengers without a clear record in the event of an incident.
CCTV, she claims, can deter anti-social behaviour, assist in resolving complaints and give reassurance to lone drivers, especially during night shifts. She adds: “Drivers deserve that security too – many work alone, often in vulnerable situations.”
Pros and cons of CCTV in taxis
For drivers, CCTV can offer protection from false complaints and threatening behaviour. Footage can be used to back up their version of events and assist licensing authorities or police where necessary. It may also discourage fare evasion or abuse, providing a greater sense of safety.
However, concerns remain about cost, data protection and maintenance. Equipment installation and upkeep may be expensive, particularly for independent drivers. Managing footage securely also brings legal responsibilities under data protection laws.
For passengers, the presence of CCTV may offer peace of mind, particularly when travelling alone or late at night. It can provide evidence in case of assault, overcharging or poor conduct. Some campaigners say it could improve standards and accountability across the industry.
At the same time, not all passengers welcome being recorded, particularly in what is often seen as a private space. There are also questions about who has access to the footage and how long it is kept from a passengers perspective.
