Panic-activated audio recording to be allowed in South Staffordshire taxis
- Perry Richardson
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
South Staffordshire Council has approved a new Taxi CCTV Policy which will permit audio recording inside licensed taxis, but only when triggered by a panic switch.
Following a six-week public consultation between November and December 2024, strong public support was recorded for the change. The updated policy, presented by Licensing Manager Greg Bickerdike, follows similar moves made after a court ruling against continuous audio recording in taxis. The Information Commissioner’s Office previously won a legal case against Southampton Council on the issue, leading to the adoption of switch-activated audio systems.
Recent high-profile attacks on taxi drivers prompted the review. These included the deaths of Wolverhampton driver Anakh Singh in 2022 and Mohammed Istakhar in Solihull, as well as a violent robbery attempt in Coventry in April 2024.
The consultation showed significant support from both the public and drivers. Around 92% of the 1,329 respondents backed panic-switch audio recording, with 96% believing it would better protect drivers. Private hire and hackney carriage drivers were also in favour, with 71% stating they were very likely to install such systems.
Feedback highlighted that while most welcomed the new measure, some concerns were raised. One respondent argued that recording tools do not prevent crimes but are only useful for providing evidence after incidents. Another warned that activating a panic switch in front of an aggressive passenger could worsen the situation. However, the council concluded that the overall safety benefits outweighed the risks.
Drivers choosing to install an audio-capable system will not face extra charges, but must provide a certificate of installation and link the system to the vehicle’s licensing record. Failure to comply could be treated as misconduct, leading to a review of the driver’s licence.
The revised policy also aligns with guidance from the Department for Transport and ensures compliance with data protection laws. Visible signage informing passengers of CCTV and audio capabilities will be mandatory, with additional notifications suggested for passengers with disabilities.
CCTV installation remains voluntary, with strict requirements in place for any operator wishing to use it.
