ROUND THE COUNCILS COLCHESTER: FIRMS’ MANDATORY CCTV RESPONSES
Colchester cab companies have had their say on a councillor’s plan for mandatory cameras in taxis. Labour councillor Dave Harris put forward a motion calling for central government to both fund and legislate mandatory cameras in hackneys and PHVs. Mr Harris revealed that in September one taxi driver had been “slapped around the face” by a customer. Mr Harris said the issue had “got worse over the last few years” and that this measure would also protect the “travelling public”. In response to Mr Harris’ plans for central government to fund new cameras, Peyman Oyarhossein, from the Hackney Association Taxis Colchester, said: “Ninty per cent of taxis already have cameras in the car.” He explained that in his experience, the issue of people not paying in taxis did not lead to arrests. Bridget Everitt, from Panther Cabs, agreed with Mr Harris that cameras should be mandatory “for the safety of the drivers and the customers”. She said: “There are always two sides to every story. But if they’ve got CCTV – which they all should have anyway – then it can be looked at, only with incidents.” According to Ms Everitt, the reason the council didn’t previously move ahead with plans for cameras was because it was looking at gear that was too expensive. Ms Everitt added that the council was previously talking about cameras costing over £400, which is why “drivers were not happy about buying them”. Bridget said the last she heard, the council “was trying to find a provider” to find cameras at a reasonable price before this “latest” development. Mr Harris said “he was not precious about audio” but was open to it being included in the mandatory recording that must have “visual evidence” to meet a “minimum requirement.” Regarding the further debate on whether there should be audio as well video, Bridget said: “My opinion is that you should have both, as it should only be used if needed. It’s like how we record all our phone calls, in case there’s an incident – and we can report it to the police if necessary.” Richard Ford, owner of Aadvark Travels, said: “If set up correctly, I have not got a problem with it. It’s just how the council enforces it." Mr Ford said most of the drivers he knows have some form of CCTV, but that police have previously told him issues with customers were a “civil matter”.
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Peyman Oyarhossein added: “I’ve been cabbing for 29 years since 1994. I’ve had a few problems but nothing to take too seriously. “95 per cent of people are fine, it’s only the minority that causes the problems.”
LICHFIELD: POLICY SET TO BE REVIEWED
The future of taxi provision in Lichfield and Burntwood is set to be reviewed. Lichfield DC’s regulatory and licensing committee heard about plans for hackney carriage and private hire regulation at a meeting on Wednesday 13 December. A report says the review will focus on a number of factors, including whether to use discounted licence costs to boost the number of hybrid or electric and wheelchair accessible taxis. Fares will also be considered in order to “take account of inflation and to ensure they remain comparable to those set by neighbouring councils”. The report said: “A meeting was held with licensed drivers and representatives of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers in October. “Drivers provided feedback about several matters they would like to see reviewed which form the basis of this recommendation. “Officers also believe improvements could be made to current policy to ensure that swift and proportionate action can be taken to keep the public safe when conditions are breached. This could be within open and transparent parameters set by the committee.” The review will also consider moving away from a current penalty points system to a more “prescribed list of contraventions” which would have pre- determined sanctions. Reviews to fees for taxi operators were also discussed by the committee. Drivers will face an increase of 6% to apply for a new or renewal taxi licence, up from £203 to £216. Vehicle costs will also be on the up, with hackney carriage licences costing £204 instead of the current £177.50 a year; while private hire vehicle licences will rise from £122.50 to £204 – an increase of 67%. Meanwhile operators will see a hike to £369 for a five- year licence – an increase on the current fees of £264 for those running up to five vehicles and £200 for those with six or more. The licensing committee agreed to commence the review in January.
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