WHAT HAS CHANGED?
We accept and appreciate both of those views, particularly when it comes to some providers who have been known to hijack the OBD port and actively contact drivers when no video image is being seen by the “provider”. However, this blatant intrusion is uncommon and most professional companies supplying CCTV (not dashcams) would never do such a thing - their systems are NOT remotely accessed or controlled at all.
WHAT HAS CHANGED?
It is all very well to want something (mainly publicity) but when that “desire” is at a potential cost to drivers or vehicle owners of on average £500, those desires simply must be backed up with funding, otherwise they are merely publicity stunts, and nothing more.
FUNDING WHO, HOW, WHERE?
In recent years we have seen some local authorities obtain funding for the purpose of installing CCTV in licensed vehicles, including: City of York Council, Telford & Wrekin Council and St Helens Borough Council.
These councils have been supportive of the trade and its drivers by gaining funding, but have also been frustrated by drivers not taking up the offer of financial assistance. Drivers then lose the opportunity to obtain protection against false allegations as well as the chance to reverse the misconceptions about drivers cultivated via these allegations made against them.
By taking up the offer of funding for CCTV, drivers can effectively protect their reputation, their livelihoods, their families and their freedom, but there is still incomprehensible resistance to installing it.
But where did the local authorities apply for funding and on what grounds? Community safety partnerships, StreetSafe, crime prevention offices, other sources? Only those councils can answer that and hopefully some will attend the PHTM EXPO this month in Milton Keynes to tell us.
WHY THE RESISTANCE?
We still see the old chestnuts of: “Big Brother is watching me” and: “It’s too expensive!”
PHTM MAY 2024
Recently we have seen a lot more councils moving towards a mandatory requirement for CCTV, with some more gaining funding.
We have also seen a complete reversal of opinions from licensing officers and police; where the once perceived view that there is no “smoke without fire”, changing completely to: “this is all financially motivated, and why would people even dream of creating such stories.”
But this turnaround will only continue provided there is a general acceptance that CCTV is not a bad thing but is supportive of the industry, and in truth, is the only way to turn the tables by
removing the
assumption of guilt, thereby regaining the respect and recognition for the hard work and effort that all drivers provide on a daily basis.
TIMES HAVE CHANGED
Once resistance to CCTV in taxis or private hire vehicles has been overcome and it is installed in licensed vehicles, most drivers would never be without it. They are surprised at how much of a difference it makes to not only their confidence when working nights, but also to council and operator responses to any allegations made.
CCTV is a good thing, once the myths and misconceptions are removed!
VISIT US AT PHTM EXPO
FIGHTING FOR OUR TRADE FOR OVER 30 YEARS!! 31
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