Taxi Driver Online

Aye, thats one of your best entries yet Terry.

Do you drink?

classic

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

I think they have improved a fair bit over the last few years.

As for the tapes not being used as evidence, I'm too not sure about that. Pretty sure tapes are used by the 1000s in court. Can't see why ours would be different.

Spoke to a chap recently who's ex-boss got attacked this year. The CCTV was vital in getting a conviction, and I think the scum that attacked him was sent away for a very long time.

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IDFIMH

I agrre with cameras in cars.
As for GMB, I am glad you don't represent me, you can't string two words together correctly!.

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stressed controller!!!

I put CCTV in all my cab's three or four years ago, they have been worth their weight in gold ,better still is when you have a monitor that the passengers can see themselves in, if it is any use to anyone a few of the drivers have made up their own systems, they simply used a power converter that plugs into the cigarette lighter and a cheap household video-recorder with the mike and camera, I am sure they said it only cost them between 100-£150

I believe that a sign must be clearly visible advising people that a CCTV system which records is fitted inside the vehicle.

I also think that as much could be achieved by having the stickers on the cars anyway.

B. Lucky

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"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.

GA. cameras are much better than stickers when someone drives into your vehicle and claims it's your fault

I have heard of cases where cctv evidence is challenged in court if it has been pre viewed by anyone other than the officer conducting the investigation i'm not saying that that would always be the case but was told by one company selling in car cctv installations that the recordings should not be viewable by anyone other than the police as this is a loophole to have evidence thrown out of court ALLEGEDLY

I think thats exacty right.

B. Lucky

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"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.

Ive got it fitted, did it myself the cheapo way but it works perfect.
The police used it once to do a woman who had an accident in front of me.

I checked it out and as long as a sign is displayed in the vehicle warning that cctv is operating it's ok.
Everythings challenged in court these days. It's ok in shops etc to have it and it's used succesfully in court.

I must admit it's more of a deterrent, as soon as punters see the sign any sign of larking about of thoughts of running goes out of the window.

I did it for about £160. Lads at work have the hard disc type fitted and it's no better than mine but costs £600+

I just have the sticker over my glove compartment it reads cctv recording 24hours in this vehicle. It is the talking point when they come in to the vehicle so if it acts as a detterent thats good. But glasgow city council should help towards the cost of cctv in our vehicles by allowing us to put adverts on our phv. Afterall they rip us of for thousand,s of pounds over the years

I've resurrected this thread because I feel the issue of driver safety is paramount.

I can go back many years and highlight countless fatal incidents that have taken place throughout the country. Sadly, many of these authorities where these incidents have taken place, have still done nothing to assist the plight of drivers faced with immediate danger.

This state of affairs is now untenable and its high time it was remedied. The solution as per usual is going to have to come through the persistent lobbying of MP's and ministers who have responsibility in ensuring the safety of Taxi drivers.

Local councils have had more than enough time to implement the safety measures we ask for but sadly the majority have been found wanting.

If anyone wants to bring the issue to the attention of the DfT and their local MP you can write to them at the following links.

Find your MP by postcode or name.

http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/l/

Alphabetical list of MP's

http://www.parliament.uk/directories/hciolists/alms.cfm

House of Lords Members

http://www.parliament.uk/directories/ho ... embers.cfm

David Alton is one of the few Lords with an email address. Perhaps David could assist us in highlighting the security problems associated with driving a Taxi and the abysmal record of local authorities in allowing security cameras in Taxis?

David can be contacted at altond@parliament.uk his website is at http://www.davidalton.com/ and his blog is at
http://www.dodonline.co.uk/engine.asp?l ... y&id=26959

DfT Junior Minister Gillian Merron can be contacted here merrong@parliament.uk and her website is here
http://www.gillianmerron.labour.co.uk/V ... ?Page=6034

David Farmer head of Taxi Division at the DfT can be contacted here. David.Farmer@dft.gsi.gov.uk

It is worth reminding everyone that contrary what Captain Cab may think the DfT are in favour of any security measure that protects All Taxi Drivers. Here is what they said in their best practice document.

The owners and drivers of vehicles will often want to install security measures to protect the driver. Local licensing authorities may not want to insist on such measures, on the grounds that they are best left to the judgement of the owners and drivers themselves. But it is good practice for licensing authorities to look sympathetically on - or actively to encourage - their installation. They could include a screen between driver and passengers, or CCTV. Licensing authorities may want to encourage the taxi and PHV trades to build good links with the local police force, including participation in any Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships.

The DfT are asking local councils to be sympathetic in granting security measures but as we all know many councils have a politically correct agenda, even when it comes to Taxi driver safety. Therefore, it is up to ourselves to lobby on behalf of our own safety because it is patently obvious that no one else is going to do it for us.

Regards

JD

Maybe the only answer is the TX/fiat where the passengers sit behind you.

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stressed controller!!!

Perhaps the answer is JD why a driver has to apply at all for CCTV?

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

I agree and I've often thought a refusal of this kind could be met with a successful legal challenge. However the outcome is not certain but if cases can be won on conditions attached to vehicle colour then there is no reason why they can't be won on the grounds of driver safety.

Regards

JD