IN THE NEWS
NEW CCTV OPTIONS FOR MID-SUSSEX DRIVERS THAT DELIVERS IMPROVED SAFETY
Mid Sussex DC is the latest council to approve CCTV with ICO compliant audio that includes an “on until off” feature which improves safety for both passengers and drivers. In-vehicle CCTV is mandatory for all drivers licensed by Mid Sussex DC and all suppliers must be approved and meet the stringent UK GDPR and ICO regulations that include data encryption for all internal recordings. They also stipulate that the council is the data controller, so drivers do not have to individually register with the ICO, nor do they have any direct access to the footage. CCTV including this new “on until off” audio feature provides better control for passengers and drivers alike. It replaces the need for those
at risk to keep reactivating the audio after the time elapses which could potentially create a dangerous situation. Each audio switch is tactically placed for all occupants in the vehicle and once the audio is live, the LED indicators light up and it can only be turned off by the same control switch that turned it on. David Lawrie, Director of SAFE Systems CCTV that supplies this system said: “Mid-Sussex District Council joins the expanding list of local authorities adopting a mandatory requirement for CCTV. Greater audio control is being welcomed by drivers, with more and more
councils coming
onboard offering better protection for both lone workers and passengers.”
David also stated that those councils that encourage better audio features are finding their investigations process is more straightforward and as a result the number of false allegations is falling. Furthermore, with the inclusion of a visible monitor as a deterrent, the number of incidents has also been seen to be reduced. This newly approved system with full audio control feature is already in use by Cambridge, Guildford, Rotherham, Rossendale and across all the Greater Manchester authorities. SAFE Systems CCTV approved auto -technicians install their systems nationwide and appointments can be booked through their secure online booking platform
www.safesystemscctv.co.uk
MIDDLESBROUGH CABBIE LOSES LICENCE AFTER “RAPID PURSUIT” OF CYCLIST
A Middlesbrough private hire driver has had his licence revoked following a “rapid pursuit” of a cyclist in Stockton. The incident which was captured on CCTV, was viewed by members of Middlesbrough Council licensing committee, and showed the driver driving in a dangerous manner. The footage showed the driver chasing the cyclist through streets and even across a car park. The driver later admitted to the incident but claimed he was “pressured by
customers” to pursue the cyclist. However, the committee found the
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driver’s explanation to be “dishonest” and determined that he was not a “fit and proper person” to hold a private hire licence. The driver had previously been the victim of a burglary by the cyclist, which may have contributed to his actions. However,
the committee unknown
emphasised that this did not justify his reckless driving. The driver’s licence was revoked with immediate effect for the safety of the public, reasons given included: The driver appeared to run a red light and the committee believed
he made excuses for his driving, rather than taking responsibility. Based on the evidence presented to them, the committee decided the driver was “dishonest”. The committee took the view the driver was “lying” to licensing officers when he told the officers “he was being pressured by unknown customers to chase the cyclist”. The driver had claimed that on the night in question that “he was on a job”, this turned out not to be the case. The committee believed that the driving demonstrated in the CCTV was “dangerous and erratic”.
FEBRUARY 2025 PHTM
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