Kirklees Council is asking for people’s opinions on a plan to make CCTV systems in taxis (both Hackney Carriage and
The aim of the plan is to ensure the safety of passengers and drivers by deterring and preventing crime, reducing the fear of crime, helping the investigation of crime and assisting insurance companies investigating claims.
The consultation in Kirklees takes place until 3 February 2017.
The proposal is that the taxis will be covered by audio and visual CCTV, if the plan goes ahead it is intended that the audio element would only be in operation when the taxi was in use and that both the driver and the passenger would have the ability to turn it on, so that they could record any situation that they felt warranted it.
The council is aware that people are concerned by data security and who would have access to any recordings. The proposal states that the only people who will be able to access the encrypted footage are the police when a crime has been reported. The licensing authority – when the only way to resolve a complaint is by viewing footage, and the police or social services for the purposes of investigating something involving a licensed vehicle or driver. It can also be downloaded when the subject of a recording asks for a copy under the data protection act.
Any downloads would only cover the period when the incident was reported to have taken place.
As part of the consultation the council is also considering whether to allow vehicles with manufacturer fitted tinted windows to be used as licensed private hire or hackney carriage vehicles, as the use of CCTV will negate the reason for banning them in the first place .
Full details of the proposals can be found online a http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/involve/entry.aspx?id=860
Comments on the proposals should be sent to licensing@kirklees.gov.uk or posted to:
Mrs C Walter
Licensing Manager
Flint Street Depot
Huddersfield
HD1 6LG
Consultation on CCTV in Taxis
About the author
