ATTACKS...SUSPENSIONS
IN-VEHICLE
CCTV...IN-VEHICLE
CCTV...IN-VEHICLE CCTV CCTV: VOLUNTARY OR MANDATORY?
The NPHTA has always been very clear on its views on this question; whilst it is absolutely advisable to install in- vehicle CCTV, it is an extra expense and therefore should not be forced (mandated) on anyone, doing so removes a driver’s freedom of choice.
However, we also believe that there must be criteria in place to avoid the use of non-compliant devices, such as dashcams, from being used to record anything internally in a taxi or PHV.
Currently, almost every local authority in the UK has either already implemented policies or is currently considering it as a result of the recent DfT Statutory Standards. There are various policies and criteria out there that are, to put it politely, out of date and in need of revision. But to be fair, there have recently been many councils that have reached out and asked for help on this topic, and have been sent a newer, updated version of ccctv specifications.
FUNDING
In reality CCTV is everywhere, every step you take, every building or street you enter is likely to be covered, in order to gather evidence in the event of an incident taking place. This is justified by local authorities on the grounds of “public safety”; so logically why should CCTV in a taxi or private hire vehicle be any different?
It is our view that where CCTV is mandated, or even where it is not, since this is a matter of “public safety”, it should absolutely be funded. There are various pots of funding available to achieve this, including: community safety partnerships, crime prevention teams, StreetSafe or StreetSmart, and various other pots of funding used to supply and install road side CCTV, and CCTV in council buildings.
For councils, where forward facing cameras are allowed, but not included as a part of the mandatory requirement, those cameras do NOT need to be part of your DPIA (Data Protection Impact Assessment).
Compare the cost of CCTV to the cost of lost earnings, in addition to the cost of legal representation at council committee hearings and then at appeals, in the event of a false allegation. Which is going to cost you more? That question applies to both drivers AND local authorities since both incur such costs.
DATA SECURITY
One of the main reasons why the use of dashcams for internal recording is not allowed is quite simply because
However, any such funding application is made by the councils, and absolutely must be applied for on the basis of public safety, and to further enhance the existing street level CCTV systems, by creating a mobile 24/7 network of cameras.
Remember, we are not asking anyone to pay for our trades’ vehicles, plates, badges, tyres, repairs, meters, fuel, insurance, or anything else that we need to perform our duties, we are being asked or told to install in-vehicle CCTV to protect the public, a huge difference.
COSTS How much is your life, and your livelihood worth?
The average cost for a fully compliant system is around £500, which broken down over a year, is less than the cost of a packet of cigarettes per week. Furthermore, this cost is tax deductible for those with an annual profit above the taxable threshold and can also be offset against insurance discounts where forward facing cameras are allowed as a part of the system.
12
DECEMBER 2021
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