Nottingham taxis to be fitted with CCTV
Jamil Ahmed, chairman of The Nottingham Licensed Taxi Owners and Drivers Association, and Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping
Taxis are to be fitted with CCTV in a bid to make journeys safer.
The pilot scheme, costing nearly £100,000, will be launched in Nottingham – with 100 cabs taking part.
The idea is to make taxi journeys safer for drivers and passengers.
Jamil Ahmed, chairman of The Nottingham Licensed Taxi Owners and Drivers Association, said he would like to see the initiative rolled out to the 411 Hackney cabs in the city.
He said: “I think it is an excellent mechanism which will enable us to carry our passengers in a safe and secure environment.”
Plans are set to be signed off at the Regulatory and Appeals Committee next Monday.
Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping said: “All welcome the scheme involving CCTV because it will help guarantee security for passengers and drivers.
Over the years, there has been a number if serious and tragic incidents in Notts and nationally.
“This new system will help reassure passengers, particularly women that they can get home safely.
“This is an important initiative.”
The idea of introducing CCTV in taxis has been mooted for a long time – with campaign group Nottingham Citizens asking for it to be introduced in 2012.
Sajid Mohammed, a trustee of Nottingham Citizens, said: “I think it is a wonderful initiative by the city council and Nottingham Citizens to protect and provide and excellent quality service to passengers of Hackney carriages.
“It is hopefully going to provide great reassurance both to the driver and to the passenger that if anything does go wrong there is evidence or access to the CCTV footage.”
A survey conducted by the group of 130 taxi drivers over a week found reports of 1,900 abusive or insulting passengers with 166 assaults.
And some private firms – such as D&G Cars – already have CCTV installed.
Paperwork from Nottingham City Council said: “Participants in the Scheme shall each make a £100 contribution for the CCTV system and fitting, with the remainder of the monies provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner.
“The council will arrange the procurement and fitting of the CCTV systems but the vehicle owners will own and be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the CCTV at their own cost.”
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