Rise in CCTV requirements for licensed taxis and private hire vehicles across England

Latest government data has revealed a growing trend in the adoption of CCTV in licensed taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) across England.

Currently, 8% of authorities mandate CCTV for all licensed taxis, up from the previous year. Similarly, 7% of authorities now require CCTV in all licensed PHVs, marking a slight increase.

Among the authorities with CCTV mandates, 17 have specified that the systems must include audio recording capabilities in both taxis and PHVs.

Interestingly, most authorities without a CCTV requirement still permit the installation of such systems in licensed vehicles. Only one authority completely prohibits CCTV in licensed taxis, while two authorities extend this ban to PHVs. This allowance indicates a broader acceptance of CCTV, even where it is not compulsory.

The decision to implement mandatory CCTV varies across different regions. Each local authority assesses the necessity based on factors such as crime rates, public feedback, and specific local incidents. The move towards audio-equipped CCTV systems highlights a significant step in ensuring that both visual and verbal exchanges are documented.

For authorities that permit but do not require CCTV, the decision is often left to the discretion of vehicle operators. This flexibility allows operators to weigh the benefits of CCTV, such as deterring crime and resolving disputes, against the costs of installation and maintenance.