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.
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