PANIC SWITCH: Wolverhampton Council to consult on taxi audio recordings

Image credit: DALL.E (AI generated)

City of Wolverhampton Council's Regulatory Committee is set to consider a proposal allowing panic switch-activated audio recordings in taxis.

The proposal follows a series of violent incidents against drivers, including the murders of two Wolverhampton-licensed drivers in 2022. The current policy, introduced in 2021, prohibits all audio recording in taxis to protect passenger privacy. However, the increasing safety concerns have led to a review of this position.

The council’s revised plan would permit audio recording only in emergencies, where a driver activates a panic button. This limited use of audio aims to provide crucial evidence in incidents such as assaults or robberies, without compromising passenger privacy on a continuous basis. Wolverhampton Council's stance mirrors that of other authorities, including Rotherham and Southampton, which permit similar systems.

The proposed system is designed to enhance driver safety, and there have been no complaints or issues during a pilot phase in which a Wolverhampton taxi installed such a system. Signage will inform passengers of the presence of CCTV and the possibility of audio recording, which will only be triggered by the driver during an emergency. Data protection measures will be in place, ensuring compliance with UK GDPR and other legal obligations.

A six-week public consultation is planned before the council makes its final decision. If approved, taxi drivers would be able to install the system without additional costs, but they must provide certification of installation and ensure compliance with licensing regulations.