Taxi association chief calls for clarity on future CCTV policy in London black cabs

Steve McNamara, the General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association (LTDA), has voiced concerns over the introduction of mandatory CCTV in taxis and minicabs, a move proposed in the Mayor's re-election manifesto.

McNamara, once a self-confessed sceptic of in-cab CCTV, acknowledges a shift in his stance due to the increasing number of false claims and problematic driving behaviours on city streets. However, he also highlighted the financial burdens this policy could impose on drivers, differentiating between voluntary and mandatory CCTV installation.

The General Secretary also raised concerns about the data privacy and management issues associated with compulsory CCTV. Looking ahead, McNamara revealed that he is set to meet Seb Dance, the Deputy Mayor for Transport, and Andy Lord, the Transport Commissioner, in the first meeting under the new mayoralty. Top of his agenda is a discussion on the Mayor's manifesto pledge about CCTV in taxis and the broader vision for the future of the taxi trade.

McNamara said: “Personally, I was always very wary of having CCTV in the cab, but with the number of false or exaggerated claims on the rise, the standard of some of the driving on our streets and the cycling vigilantes trying to get you convicted for what is often normal and perfectly safe driving, I have changed my mind.

“Interestingly, the Mayor touched on introducing mandatory CCTV in taxis and minicabs in his manifesto, which will now become his policy programme following his re-election. The problem is, in my world, and I am sure all of yours too, there is a vast difference between choosing to have CCTV fitted and being compelled to have it. That difference is in the cost of installing and maintaining it. If we are to be compelled to have it, surely TfL should pay for it?

“There are also all sorts of complicated issues to consider when introducing it as a mandatory requirement to do with data and privacy and who controls that data. It’s caused huge problems in other licensing areas, so I hope City Hall have given it or will now give it some proper thought. They must recognise that drivers already face enough costs when it comes to licensing and running a cab.

“I have the first meeting of the new mayoralty next week with Seb Dance, the Deputy Mayor for Transport and Andy Lord the Transport Commissioner. It goes without saying that the Mayor’s manifesto pledge and his vision for the future of our trade were the first items I asked to be placed on the agenda.”