CCTV To Be Installed In Cambridge Taxis And Private Hire Cars

All taxis and private hire vehicles licensed in Cambridge will soon have CCTV installed in them.

Cambridge City Council’s Licensing Committee gave the green light to a programme which will see CCTV systems in all vehicles licensed by the council by 31 March 2024.
 
The council is responsible for licensing all Hackney carriage, private hire and dual drivers, as well as taxi proprietors and operators in Cambridge.
 
As taxi licensing authority, the council has a number of objectives, including the safety and protection of the public, vehicle safety, prevention of crime and protection of drivers – all of which will help to be met by the installation of CCTV in the vehicles it licenses.
 
Introducing CCTV for all licensed vehicles will also ensure there is supporting evidence for any criminal or enforcement investigations into customers’ or drivers’ actions or behaviour while the vehicles are operational.
 
At this week’s committee meeting councillors agreed to review the CCTV programme every five years, with the first review to take place in 2029.
 
The council is working closely with neighbouring South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) on specifications for the installation of CCTV, as SCDC are also looking to introduce it in vehicles which they license.
 
Under the specifications for use, all recorded images will be securely captured, stored and encrypted, and the CCTV system will not be accessible while the vehicle is in use commercially. Vehicle proprietors will be able to source and install their own systems as long as they meet or exceed the council’s requirements.
 
Cllr Russ McPherson, Chair of Cambridge City Council’s Licensing Committee, said: “As licensing authority we have a duty to do all we can to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers.
 
“Fortunately, incidents in Cambridge’s taxis and private hire vehicles are rare but installation of CCTV across the fleet will provide additional reassurance to customers and drivers alike, act as a deterrent, and will be able to provide clear evidence for any investigations that may have to take place.”