TAXI drivers licensed to trade in Barnsley have agreed to have CCTV installed in their vehicles under a council plan to improve safety.
It’s the latest step to be taken by the local authority’s licensing board to protect both drivers and passengers from matters occurring in taxis such as assaults, verbal abuse and fare dodging.
Having been agreed by ruling cabinet members in November last year, taxi firms will pick up the cost of the equipment and installation ahead of its roll-out which is expected to happen before the end of 2018.
It is anticipated CCTV will cost between £400 and £500 per cab although the majority of taxis in Barnsley already have onboard surveillance fitted, according to Coun Charlie Wraith, chairman of the licensing board.
“Taxi firms have agreed the plan and everyone who I have spoken to have said they fully support what the whole scheme is about, and that’s to improve safety.
“It’s in drivers’ best interests to have CCTV as it deters yobs from giving them hassle, or trying to dodge a fare when they arrive at their destination.
“Many drivers refuse to work in Barnsley town centre on Friday and Saturday nights because of the abuse they receive from drunken passengers  so having CCTV fitted gives them more protection.
“That works in passengers’ favour, too, as everything will be recorded and whatever happens will be able to be looked at.”
Councils with borders in South Yorkshire will also share information on their registered drivers to prevent them from crossing boundaries and encroaching on other taxi patches.
“The new database will allow councils to record details of where a licence has been refused, revoked or suspended as well as to check new applications against the database,” a cabinet report said.
“This will help prevent individuals deemed to be not fit and proper in one area from going to another and securing a licence by not disclosing their previous refusal or revocation - something that undermines public safety and confidence in the licensing regime and the authorities that administer it.
“A decision not to approve the mandatory installation of taxi cameras in all licensed vehicles does not support the prevailing need to ensure the wellbeing and safety of both drivers and passengers.
“The programme which is being undertaken will ensure those licensed to drive licensed vehicles and members of the paying public benefit from improved standards, thus ensuring the safety of those who live, work and visit the borough.
“The purchase and installation cost of taxi cameras will be borne by the driver or proprietor. There are no other financial implications.
“The mandatory introduction of taxi cameras and the overarching review of policies, along with the establishment of a national database, will assist the council in reducing crime and disorder across the borough.”
