CCTV: YOUR SECURITY


FUNDING FOR CCTV IN WEST SUFFOLK - PILOT SCHEME TO PROTECT PASSENGER & DRIVER SAFETY


Protecting the safety of taxi passengers and drivers alike is the focus of a new pilot scheme that is being launched in West Suffolk. West Suffolk Council has secured funding for a voluntary pilot scheme that will see CCTV installed in 30 taxis – 10 in Bury St Edmunds, 10 in Haverhill and another 10 in Newmarket. It comes just weeks after the Casey report on the child grooming scandal, and the allegation that taxi or private hire drivers were involved, which means it is crucial that the industry has measures in place, to protect not only drivers themselves but the industry, from serious allegations. While the council has not been


made aware of such allegations in West Suffolk, it nevertheless takes public safety including that of customers and drivers, very seriously. The CCTV pilot scheme has been secured with funding from Suffolk Community Found- ation through the Serious Violence Duty Grant making Programme. The six-month scheme which will cost around £18,000, will be entirely voluntary. But if the pilot proves successful, the council can consult with the rest of the 600 taxi fleet on options to take it forward. A council spokesperson said: “We are hoping that drivers and operators will see the advantages of CCTV in their vehicles. CCTV


offers protection and reassurance to their customers at a time when passenger safety has been flagged through the Casey report. West Suffolk taxi drivers can take advantage of this offer by emailing: licensing@westsuffolk.gov.uk and include Taxi CCTV in the subject line.


Thanks to west Suffolk council and a huge thanks to Tim for his efforts in making this happen. So, what are you waiting for, get protected, get covered, get insurance discounts and get it all free, including front facing camera, monitor, switch controlled audio, one month average recording cycle. This offer does not come around often!


PETERBOROUGH COUNCILLOR PUSHES FOR MANDATORY UK-WIDE CCTV AMID SAFETY DEBATE


A Peterborough independent councillor has launched a petition advocating for compulsory CCTV installation in all licensed taxis and private hire vehicles across the UK, arguing it would enhance safety for both passengers and drivers. Cllr Daisy Blakemore-Creedon believes such a measure would boost public confidence, particul- arly for those travelling late at night. “CCTV can make a real difference. It deters bad behaviour, helps resolve disputes, and gives people more confidence to get home safely, especially late at night,” she wrote in her petition.


She also emphasised the benefit for drivers, stating: “Drivers deserve that security too, many work alone, often in vulnerable situations. This


PHTM JULY 2025


is a simple, sensible step that would make a big impact.” Blakemore-Creedon, who resigned from the Labour Group earlier this month citing accusations of racism after raising the CCTV issue, stressed the non-political nature of women’s safety. “Women’s safety should not be politicised. Peterborough needs to act. Let’ s stop debating and start protecting the people that rely on these journeys every day,” she posted on social media. However, the proposal has drawn mixed reactions from some in the taxi industry.


Peterborough hackney


Jake Carter, a driver,


acknowledged the initial appeal of increased safety but highlighted the financial burden on drivers,


noting: “The cost of this CCTV equipment has to be borne by the drivers. You can’t just install the cheapest system, you’ve got to go with the one recommended by the council.”


He also pointed out that taxis are often used as private vehicles, raising privacy issues if cameras were mandated to be on continuously. Carter suggested a different approach for CCTV implement- ation: “If it was to be worked a bit differently where a council took the cost and allowed drivers more flexibility about when the CCTV could be switched on or off, then it might be something the drivers would consider. It should be sold as benefiting the drivers as much as benefiting the public.”


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