CCTV: YOUR SECURITY
BARNSLEY TAXIS TO GET MANDATORY CCTV IN SAFETY DRIVE
Barnsley is to implement man- datory CCTV in all its registered hackney
carriages, aiming to
bolster safety for both drivers and passengers. The move, funded initially by a South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) grant, will see a significant six-figure investment. Licensing officials will brief councillors on the roll-out, which will see operators eventually take on maintenance costs. A year-long pilot scheme will precede a com- prehensive review in April 2026 to assess the system’s effectiveness. A report by senior licensing officer Debbie Bailey emphasised that
“Security for both drivers and passengers is a high priority,” and that “CCTV cameras can be a valuable deterrent to criminal activity as well as protecting the driver from unjustified complaints.” The policy mandates that “The CCTV system must be in use whenever the vehicle is in use,” and that “Warning signage must be clearly and prominently displayed inside the vehicle advising passengers that a CCTV system is in operation.” Any tampering with the system will be taken seriously when considering a driver/proprietor’s fitness to hold a licence.
Cllr Wendy Cain, cabinet spokes- person for public health and communities, said: “The safety of residents, visitors, and those who work in our borough is a top priority, and by requiring CCTV in all hackney
carriages we’re
enhancing safety for both drivers and passengers.” She also noted the potential benefits for the night-time economy, adding: “These changes also support our night-time economy by encouraging more drivers to work during later hours, so residents and visitors can enjoy Barnsley’s nightlife with the confidence of a safe journey home.”
WARRINGTON CONSULTATION ON LICENSING POLICY CHANGES AROUND CCTV
Warrington BC is consulting on its taxi licensing policy. A key proposal is the shift from mandatory CCTV installation in all council-licensed taxis to a discretionary policy, aligning Warrington with many other local authorities. Warrington was one of the first areas in the country to introduce mandatory CCTV in taxis in 2016, demonstrating a strong commitment to public and driver safety. However, the council has a responsibility to keep its policy under review and seek peoples’ views, taking into account changes to legislation and circumstances whilst maintaining its com- mitment to public safety. The deregulation of the taxi industry has led to an increase in taxis licensed outside Warrington
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operating within the borough. These vehicles may not adhere to the same CCTV standards, reducing the effectiveness of Warrington’s current mandatory policy. Additionally, changes in public booking habits and the rising cost of living for taxi drivers have been taken into consideration. The council recognises that the cost of mandatory CCTV installation places a financial burden on local drivers, making obtaining a licence more expensive compared to other areas. Key proposals around CCTV include: l Moving from mandatory to discretionary CCTV installation.
l Drivers with existing CCTV systems will be permitted to continue using them, subject to the outcome of the consultation. l Operators will retain the option
to install CCTV in new vehicles, if they
implement appropriate data protection measures.
l During the consultation period, the mandatory CCTV require- ment will be temporarily sus- pended for new and replace- ment vehicles.
lThe council will maintain rigorous driver, operator, and vehicle suitability assessments, including national database checks for prior licensing refusals or revocations.
Warrington’s revised ‘HC/PHV licensing’ policy is available to read at
warrington.gov.uk/taxi-consult. You can get involved in the consultation and have your say by: Completing the online survey:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ wbctaxipolicy2025/
MAY 2025 PHTM
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