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CCTV
http://taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=7955		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Cybro [ Thu Feb 14, 2008 7:59 am ]
Post subject:  CCTV
JD wrote:
Nowhere more than TDO do these incidents get highlighted and still the powers that be namely licensing authorities refuse Taxi drivers some of the basic means by which to protect themselves. In-car CCTV is recognised as one of the main basic deterrents and yet councillors in many local authorities steadfastly refuse to allow Taxi drivers to install this basic safety mechanism. In the main, the excuse given for not allowing installation of CCTV equipment is their concern for public privacy.

I think it is about time that the DfT recognised the fact that taxi drivers also have basic rights and that the most fundamental right of all is the right to life. In order to sustain that basic right those in danger must be protected and if those entrusted with the administrative duty of overseeing licensing laws fail to assist in that protection and instead take a proactive stance in refusing such basic safety measures then the Government of the day must act to rectify that failing.

I therefore implore the DfT on behalf of all UK Taxi drivers of every shape and size to act accordingly and implement measures that will nullify the actions of those councillors who refuse to allow the installation of CCTV equipment.

DfT best practice guidance on this issue has failed and it is now time for more affirmative action before any more Taxi drivers prematurely end up in a six foot pine box.

It would be nice to think that my comments haven't fallen on deaf ears.

Regards

JD


I contacted my local Licensing last year regarding installing CCTV in my vehicle.
After hearing nothing for weeks to approve my request, I contacted the Information Commissioner's Office to ask a few questions.

They told me that if it's for crime purposes, providing the camera(s) were focused only on the inside of the vehicle and the vehicle had clear signs on all windows including the rear of the vehicle they couldn't see a problem. There would also be no need to license it under the Data Protection Act 1998 if it met with there guidelines.

I then went to renew my licence plates at the end of last year. While at the licensing office I reminded them about my CCTV request and told them about the information I got from the ICO. Upon returning 5 mins later with my renewed plates they approved my request to install CCTV providing it met their guidelines which were basically what the ICO had told me.

Now, I don't know if it was because I'd done some homework or if it was because my local Licensing just didn't have the time to deal with my request.
But there is hope for all who want to install CCTV for their own safety.
Author:  JD [ Thu Feb 14, 2008 10:37 am ]
Post subject: 
I spelt out the legal position in respect of the Data protection act some time ago and you are quite right you don't need to register under the the data protection act providing the cameras are in a fixed position and do not roam.

The problem lies with councils because the licensing laws state that only they can determine what is fitted inside a cab. However I'm glad you got your CCTV without any hassle which is more than many others have done.

Regards

JD
Author:  GA [ Thu Feb 14, 2008 10:47 am ]
Post subject: 
JD wrote:
I spelt out the legal position in respect of the Data protection act some time ago and you are quite right you don't need to register under the the data protection act providing the cameras are in a fixed position and do not roam.

The problem lies with councils because the licensing laws state that only they can determine what is fitted inside a cab. However I'm glad your CCTV without any hassle which is more than many others have done.

Regards

JD


Strange .............thats not how I remember the debate JD ............. anyway its good to see you've got what your entitled to Cybro without un-neccessary obstruction from the council who have no right to deny you the protection of CCTV.

B. Lucky :D
Author:  Sussex [ Thu Feb 14, 2008 2:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: CCTV
Cybro wrote:
But there is hope for all who want to install CCTV for their own safety.

I'm frankly amazed we are still having conversations over CCTV, and very disappointed.

Any council that has CCTV in any of their buildings, yet refuse to license a taxi/PH with it installed, is quite simply a 'shower of s***'. :sad:
Author:  allo allo [ Thu Feb 14, 2008 8:17 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
JD wrote:
Nowhere more than TDO do these incidents get highlighted and still the powers that be namely licensing authorities refuse Taxi drivers some of the basic means by which to protect themselves. In-car CCTV is recognised as one of the main basic deterrents and yet councillors in many local authorities steadfastly refuse to allow Taxi drivers to install this basic safety mechanism. In the main, the excuse given for not allowing installation of CCTV equipment is their concern for public privacy.

I think it is about time that the DfT recognised the fact that taxi drivers also have basic rights and that the most fundamental right of all is the right to life. In order to sustain that basic right those in danger must be protected and if those entrusted with the administrative duty of overseeing licensing laws fail to assist in that protection and instead take a proactive stance in refusing such basic safety measures then the Government of the day must act to rectify that failing.

I therefore implore the DfT on behalf of all UK Taxi drivers of every shape and size to act accordingly and implement measures that will nullify the actions of those councillors who refuse to allow the installation of CCTV equipment.

DfT best practice guidance on this issue has failed and it is now time for more affirmative action before any more Taxi drivers prematurely end up in a six foot pine box.

It would be nice to think that my comments haven't fallen on deaf ears.

Regards

JD



Your sentiments echo the GMB's recently launched Campaign to Improve Driver Safety.

However couldn't drivers agrieved at their councils refusal to allow CCTV take them to magistrates court on appeal against the condition.

I know it is ridiculous to have to even consider such measures to establish basic safety features, but maybe a successful appeal somewhere which got mainstream national publicity would help.

Or maybe we should get talking to local councillors and educate them?

It is really very frustrating to even have to consider these matters over such a "no-brainer".
_________________
Our safety is Paramount
Author:  JD [ Thu Feb 14, 2008 11:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
allo allo wrote:
Your sentiments echo the GMB's recently launched Campaign to Improve Driver Safety.

However couldn't drivers agrieved at their councils refusal to allow CCTV take them to magistrates court on appeal against the condition.

I know it is ridiculous to have to even consider such measures to establish basic safety features, but maybe a successful appeal somewhere which got mainstream national publicity would help.

Or maybe we should get talking to local councillors and educate them?

It is really very frustrating to even have to consider these matters over such a "no-brainer".
_________________
Our safety is Paramount


Its good to see the GMB are catching up with the rest of the Taxi trade. I think I should remind you that some of us have been highlighting the situation for years. Why do you think the DfT made such positive statements in their best practice document. The failing lies with councillors who if I had my way wouldn't have any part of licensing.

For all the bravado about councillors being in the back pocket of the GMB I don't see any movement or lobbying from the GMB organisation in Manchester on the Situation?

In fact the GMB or any other Taxi organisation in Manchester doesn't appear to give a chit about CCTV so perhaps your campaign has yet to filter through to your members in the Northwest?

Naturally anyone aggrieved can appeal any decision but drivers shouldn't really have to go to court and fight a council for the privilege of securing their own safety. The problem with the GMB is that the organisation doesn't act or speak collectively for of all its members, simply because the organisation consists of two diametrically opposed camps within one organisation.

The sooner you realise that the better.

Regards

JD
Author:  JD [ Fri Feb 15, 2008 12:48 am ]
Post subject: 
GA wrote:
Strange .............thats not how I remember the debate JD


I don't know how you recall the debate but a council decides on what is fitted inside a cab. I think that point was made quite clear.

Regards

JD
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