Peterborough Council proposes mandatory CCTV in taxis and private hire vehicles

Peterborough City Council is set to introduce mandatory CCTV in all Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles. This follows a public consultation which ended earlier this year, revealing divided opinions from both the public and the trade.

The proposal seeks to address safety concerns in the taxi industry, particularly in safeguarding vulnerable passengers, including children and those with disabilities. The Department for Transport’s 2020 guidance encourages local authorities to implement CCTV in taxis unless there is a strong reason not to. With this backing, Peterborough's Licensing Committee is moving towards making this a legal requirement for all licensed vehicles.

While there is significant support for the initiative, particularly from women who feel vulnerable when travelling, the local taxi trade has voiced concerns. The main opposition stems from the costs associated with installing and maintaining CCTV, especially in light of the challenges the sector has faced post-pandemic. Drivers and operators have also raised concerns about privacy and the impact on client confidentiality, particularly those serving executive clients.

The council has acknowledged these concerns, pledging a phased implementation to give drivers time to adapt, with the policy coming into effect no earlier than 12 months from approval. It also aims to ensure that the financial burden on drivers is manageable, although the exact costs are still being debated. The Licensing Committee is expected to finalise technical specifications and exemptions, with particular attention given to protecting the privacy of drivers when vehicles are used for personal purposes.

Despite opposition from some within the trade, the policy looks likely to be approved, with the Licensing Committee arguing that the benefits to public safety outweigh the potential drawbacks. The proposal is scheduled for a full council vote in October 2024.