Taxi Driver Online

Calls have been made to install CCTV cameras in Gloucester's taxi cabs.

Cabbies in the city say the measure would keep them safe from late-night attacks and discourage people from running off without paying.

Alan Wood has been a taxi driver in Gloucester for the past eight years and said he would love to see cameras fitted in his cab.

He said: "Putting CCTV cameras in the cab is a great idea and I would do it if I could afford to.

"We have had problems in the past where customers have done a runner and not paid, and I'm sure they would think twice about doing so if they knew they were on camera.

Subsidy

"I know a couple of drivers have stickers on their cars saying they have CCTV, when really they don't, and they never have any problems.

"A subsidy from the council would be great but I can't see it happening to be honest."

Mr Wood added that a potential problem with cameras would be not having access to the footage.

He said: "The police have told us that we won't be able to see the tapes at all, but we would need access to them.

"How would we keep track of the offenders otherwise? The taxi trade is being hit big time and this would go some way to helping us out that little bit more."

Another taxi driver in Gloucester, who didn't wish to be named, said: "CCTV would be brilliant but I can't afford that.

"If the council paid that would be great, I'd be first in the queue."

A spokesperson for Gloucester City Council said: "We hold a range of meetings with taxi and private hire drivers and this is not something that has been discussed in those.

"However, when they raise it we will be happy to sit down and discuss the matter with them."

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

I suppose death is much more affordable?

CC

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

Wouldn't it be a good idea if a national trade union arranged a deal with a proper CCTV firm, offering a very good package of two cameras, little screen and digital storage for their members, and this package could be paid for over three years with guaranteed finance to all folks with bank accounts.

And just in case some drivers weren't in that union, part of the package would include a free one year membership of that union, to make them eligible.

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IDFIMH

YES IT WOULD!!!!I WONDER WHO THAT union could be.

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GMB PDB London Branch President
Vice-chair National Organising Committee
07956-884076
www.gmbpdb.org.uk
AFFORDABLE CCTV FOR EVERY LICENSED DRIVER
www.gmbpdb.org.uk/gmb-cctv.htm

You mean for people who cant afford £1 per day?

ffs

CC

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