SECURITY...
Of all the features in PHTM, this one deserves the most space time and again, for obvious reasons. Apart from the marshal schemes cropping up all over the country (see Marshals page), the most important tool of the trade today surely has to be some sort of in-car CCTV unit. And of course the 64-dollar question always, after “How much do they cost?” has to be “Where’s the money coming from?” The articles this month include a few examples: free camera in exchange for advertising; partnerships with the Home Office and local community safety groups; pilot schemes funded by councils themselves; and of particular interest, a request from one council for the trade to give them a report on security incidents. At least more areas are security-aware these days; it’s a case of who pays for the cameras. We welcome all opinions, as always.
MEDWAY SAFETY DRIVE UNITES CABBIES TO CCTV OPERATORS
A radio scheme unit- ing taxi drivers to CCTV operators in a bid to cut crime has been introduced. Most of Medway’s nine taxi firms have signed up to the scheme, which began earlier this month. A radio is kept in the taxi office to allow driv- ers to call in with information which may prove useful to other taxi firms or police. This could be a
description of some- one who has been aggressive or has committed a crime. The taxi office can make contact with CCTV operators who can monitor a situation or call police.
Sgt Mark Carron told the Kent Messenger: “The scheme not only helps ensure the safe- ty of taxi drivers but also the public, as the police and CCTV oper- ators can be easily
informed of any poten- tial incidents.”
It is an initiative between Medway Police, the Safer Med- way Partnership, (SMP) and the Medway Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (MLTDA). Mike Smith chairman of MLTDA, added: “We would like to thank Vokes, ABC, Star, Wind- mill, CNC and Rainham Cabs for working alongside the Safer Medway Partnership.”
GREAT YARMOUTH DRIVERS HELP BEAT BAD BEHAVIOUR
Taxi firms and drivers in Great Yarmouth have become the lat- est weapon in a successful clampdown on unruly behaviour in the town at night. Albies and Swift Taxis
have signed up to the Nightsafe scheme to help keep Yarmouth’s streets free from trou- blemakers. And by being given radios to patch into Nightsafe it is hoped that taxi driv-
The risk of being involved in a violent confrontation or robbery is very real. The highest risk is to those involved in the transport industry.
The Safe Shield, provides protection and peace of mind, for the driver and makes the vehicle a safer place to work
FITS ALL STANDARD VEHICLES
ers will also be able to help find missing peo- ple and be more aware of road accidents. Nightsafe was launched in Yarmouth by the police nearly a year ago and has 70 members, including the town centre part- nership CCTV system, bars, pubs and shops. Members are told over a radio system to keep an eye out for people banned from pubs and rowdy groups then to alert police to make sure that revellers can enjoy the night-time economy safely. The head of Yarmouth police Supt Jim Smer- don told the Norwich Evening News: “Taxis have been the missing link in the Nightsafe chain and their mem- bership will greatly enhance the service it offers in making Yarmouth a safer place.” Kevin Boyne, Swift Taxis’ manager,
said:
For the full range and additional options please contact us on
or email us at
sales@safeshield-ltd.co.uk PAGE 64
01604 677 909
“Our membership will not only enhance safe- ty in Yarmouth but also provide reassurance for our customers.”
WARWICK DRIVERS WELCOME TAXI CCTV SECURITY PLAN
Taxi firm bosses in the district have wel- comed proposals to install CCTV cameras into their vehicles. Digital advertising company Cabcast has offered to install the systems into all hackney carriages and private hire vehi- cles licensed by Warwick District Council.
They will do this for free - installing the screens behind the front seat headrests - in return for the adver- tising exposure it would give them. A report to councillors said: “The CCTV sys- tem will enhance the safety of the drivers as they are less likely to be attacked or robbed
if the passenger is aware of the existence of the cameras.
“It will be of use to drivers only, unless they wish it to be pro- duced as evidence, and will not be routine- ly inspected by officers.”
Cab owners in the dis- trict also welcomed the idea.
John Stearn, boss of Abbey Cabs in Kenil- worth, told the Leamington Observer: “Personally I would welcome it. I think it would be good for driver and passenger safety, the camera never lies I suppose.” Antonio Parasmo, owner of AP Cars in Warwick, said: “I’d be happy with it. It would
certainly improve safe- ty. You never know who you might pick up in this job.”
And Bobby Davit, manager at Kabline in Leamington, said: “It is something worth considering. Anything that makes drivers safer is to be wel- comed.”
Cabcast insists the council would have final say on the con- tent of the advertising used on the screens. The company, which has installed the screens in cabs in other areas of the country, said on its website that offering CCTV provided “peace of mind, as well as evidence that can be used in court.”
PILOT SCHEME WILL MAKE LIFE SAFER FOR PENDLE CABBIES
An in-car CCTV initia- tive which gives Pendle taxi drivers greater protection and improves the safety of their customers will be launched this year. In partnership with the Home Office, Pendle Community Safety Partnership will pro- vide CCTV camera equipment which will be fitted in hackney and private hire vehi- cles across the borough.
The cameras, which are part of a campaign to reduce the number of alcohol-related inci- dents in taxis, will be shared among all driv- ers.
They will monitor the whole vehicle - record- ing sound and images. The scheme will be
piloted for 12 months and if successful fur- ther funding will be sought to buy even more camera equip- ment.
Councillor David Whipp, chairman of Pendle Community Safety Partnership, told the Nelson Leader: “We hope that these cameras will ensure the safety of both the drivers and their cus- tomers by preventing anti-social and criminal behaviour.
“Every hackney or pri- vate hire vehicle will be fitted with window stickers warning pas- sengers that images and audio may be recorded and used as evidence.”
Jackie Allen, Pendle Council’s Taxi Licens-
ing Manager, added: “We believe the cam- eras will improve the safety of our drivers and provide them with greater peace of mind. “Any criminal behav- iour, whether racist, an assault or robbery, will be captured on cam- era and will be used to assist criminal investi- gations.” Sgt Keith Beckley from Colne Neighbourhood Policing Team added: “We’re introducing this scheme in Pendle so that we can reassure drivers and their pas- sengers that we’re looking out for their safety. “We know that they have been successful elsewhere, greatly reducing the number of crimes committed.”
PHTM FEBRUARY 2010
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