Peterborough taxi and private hire vehicle drivers called to action on new mandatory CCTV policy
Peterborough City Council is set to deliberate on the proposed introduction of mandatory CCTV for Hackney Carriages and private hire vehicles at its Full Council meeting on Wednesday 4 December at 5.30pm. The policy aims to address safety concerns for both drivers and passengers but has drawn mixed reactions from the taxi trade.
The Peterborough Private Hire Association (PPHA) has called on drivers to attend the meeting in force. In a statement, the Association urged: “All taxi drivers, make your presence felt. This is your opportunity to show unity and ensure our voices are heard.”
This follows extensive consultations held earlier in the year. Key concerns raised during discussions include the financial burden on drivers, data protection, and the operational challenges of managing the CCTV footage.
Both Hackney Carriage and private hire federations have expressed strong reservations, advocating for a voluntary approach to CCTV adoption as a more measured step.
The Licensing Committee has recommended the policy for approval but emphasised the need for safeguards, including funding support and clear technical guidelines, to mitigate the impact on drivers. If adopted, this policy would make CCTV a requirement for all licensed vehicles in the area.
