Inverclyde taxi drivers given green light to install CCTV cameras

Councillors in Inverclyde have made a landmark decision to allow the installation of CCTV cameras in taxis throughout the region.

The move comes after a series of attacks and robberies in recent years, including one incident which left a taxi driver permanently disfigured.

The general purposes board approved the new policy, which will allow for the installation and operation of cameras within taxi vehicles.

The decision was made unanimously by councillors and is expected to assist in preventing and detecting future crimes, as well as aiding insurance companies in their investigations of motor insurance incidents.

Additionally, a motion from councillor Martin McCluskey was backed which will see officers conducting a public consultation on the use of dashcams in taxis and private hire cars. The results of this consultation will be integrated into the new policy at a later date.

According to the Greenock Telegraph, Councillor McCluskey said: “I think it’s going to make a really big difference to people and I know it’s something that for a long time operators and taxi drivers in the area have asked for.

“I don’t think it’s going to make things better just in terms of safety for drivers but I think it’s going to improve safety for passengers as well and hopefully also give those who are thinking of entering the trade a bit of reassurance.

“We have a shortage of taxi drivers in Inverclyde at the moment and it would be good to see more people enter the trade.

“Hopefully this will provide people with more reassurance about their safety because I know that’s been a barrier in the past.”