CCTV: YOUR SECURITY
BARNSLEY TAXI CCTV TRIAL COULD OPEN DOORS FOR MORE FUNDING FOLLOWING SAFETY SUCCESS
Barnsley taxi drivers are participating in a new survey to determine if a recent roll-out of free in-car CCTV systems has been a success. Members of the Barnsley Town Board are set to receive an update on the scheme, which provided recording equip- ment to HCs through the South
Yorks Mayoral Combined Authority. The project was launched with the goal of improving safety for both drivers and passengers, while also encouraging taxi operators to work later into the night. According to a recent report, the initial feedback has been positive, noting that “early anecdotal
evidence suggests CCTV has sup- ported driver safety, with footage used in police investigations and no complaints against drivers.” The survey results are expected by the end of February and if deemed a success, the pilot could lead to “further funding bids” to expand the safety measures even further.
COVENTRY TAXI CCTV PLANS COULD BE STALLED BY GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION
Coventry councillors are clashing over taxi safety after a local push for mandatory CCTV was sidelined by a new government consul- tation. The city’s “task and finish group” saw its progress “trumped” by national plans to reform licensing, sparking frustration among officials who fear local safety needs are being delayed. There was a debate over how the council tracks serious crimes.
Cllr Ed Ruane expressed shock at a perceived lack of data following a high-profile sexual assault in a local cab, stating: “not having any written reporting mechanism in the council is something I can’t get my
head around.” While Cllr
Christine Thomas insisted the council “absolutely does have data on hand,” Ruane argued that without transparent reporting, it is impossible to
measure safe-
guarding effectively. In response to the confusion, councillors have agreed to formalise how they report licence revocations to ensure better oversight. They are also writing to the Transport Secretary and West Midlands Mayor to demand clear timelines, ensuring that national red tape doesn’t permanently stall local efforts to protect passengers and drivers.
ARUN CABBIES & PUBLIC CLASH OVER MANDATORY CCTV IN TAXIS AND PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLES
Arun DC is facing a sharp divide between cabbies and the public over a new proposal to make CCTV mandatory in all licensed vehicles. While a recent report suggests the council moves forward with the plan, a public consultation carried out in November 2025, showed a dramatic split in opinion. Of 184 responses, 47%, supported CCTV, 42% were against and 11% unsure. However, within this, 74% of respondents identifying as drivers
44 responded ‘no’ to mandatory
cameras, while an equal percent- age of the public voted ‘yes’. The council, which licenses around 240 HCs and PHVs, argues that the move would improve safety for everyone. Officials believe
the
cameras would reduce crime and offer drivers protection “against unfounded complaints.” However, those opposing the plans have
raised serious concerns regarding privacy and the financial
burden on drivers. It’s estimated installing the equipment would cost around £555 per vehicle, or a monthly rental fee of £24. If the policy is approved, Arun would join most other licensing authorities across Sussex that already require cameras. For instance, Brighton and Hove City Council has mandated CCTV in its taxis since 2010. The council is set to consider the report on the matter on Friday, 27 February.
MARCH 2026 PHTM
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