ROUND THE COUNCILS
PETERBOROUGH: MANDATORY CCTV PROPOSAL
Peterborough City Council is set to introduce mandatory CCTV cameras in all hackney carriages and PHVs within the city. The council has encouraged the use of CCTV since 2022, but didn’t make it mandatory. A recent consultation, following DfT guid- ance, revealed mixed public opinion on the matter. Following a consultation between November 2023 and February 2024, 678 individuals opposed the mandatory installation, while 139 supported it. Many respondents argued for alternative measures such as increased police presence, improved driver behaviour, and more regular checks and training. HC and PH associations expressed concerns about the potential impact on trade numbers and council funding for camera installation. They preferred a discretionary scheme where drivers could voluntarily choose to install CCTV. Meanwhile, due to some confusing information circulating around the council’s proposal so David Lawrie, director of the NPHTA, contacted Peter- borough City Council to clarify the situation. The council confirmed that the information detailed below contains the correct facts relating to the CCTV being proposed for installation in 1,300 taxis and private vehicles in the city.
IT IS CONFIRMED THAT THERE WILL BE: • NO cloud storage, not even when the audio is activated
• NO remote access • NO requirement for drivers or vehicle owners to register as data controller with the ICO
DATA CONTROLLER: • The council WILL be the data controller • The council will be the ones to access data in the event of any reports or allegations
AUDIO: • Audio activation switches will be present in the front and rear in order to allow all occupants to access and activate the audio
• Audio will not need to be time controlled The Council also made it very clear that they believed:
CCTV WOULD HELP DRIVERS BECAUSE: • the number of allegations made where it is a case of one word against another is on the increase • the protection of drivers is paramount
PHTM OCTOBER 2024
OTHER SUGGESTIONS: • Increase police presence - but it is understood that this would only be within town centres, when in reality, most attacks and abuse takes place away from such well lit areas
• additional training for drivers - drivers undergo enough training and courses already and in reality this would do nothing to adjust the behaviour of passengers
DECISION DELAYED The council’s Licensing Committee had recom- mended the proposal go to the full council on 16 October, but this meeting has now been deferred until December due to illness and the importance of full attendance.
BASSETLAW: COMPANY HELPS BOOST DRIVER NUMBERS
A local taxi and private hire company has successfully recruited a significant number of new drivers, thanks to a streamlined pre-licensing process supported by Bassetlaw District Council. 6Five2s, based in Worksop, hosted a fast-track application event to assist potential drivers in completing the necessary pre-licensing checks. The council’s licensing department was also present to offer guidance and information, while drivers were given the opportunity to take the Knowledge Test, achieving an impressive 89% pass rate. As a result of the event, 29 new taxi drivers are currently in the process of becoming licensed. Denice Davis, Director at 6Five2s, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating: “This has been a collaborative effort. By licensing drivers and vehicles from the Bassetlaw area, we’re contributing to the local economy. “Our goal is to provide a high-quality service and work closely with the council to ensure a safe environment for the community.” The streamlined licensing event assisted drivers with various pre-licensing requirements, including ID checks, application forms, DBS checks, safeguarding tests, group 2 medicals and driver assessments. Councillor Josie Potts, Chair of Licensing at Bassetlaw District Council, emphasised the positive impact of the increased number of taxi drivers, stating that it will provide more residents.
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