CCTV to become mandatory in all Barnsley Hackney Carriage taxis
It's part of a bid to boost safety
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council is set to make it mandatory for all Hackney Carriages to install CCTV cameras in their vehicles, following a public consultation and pilot funding approval.
The decision was proposed as part of a broader effort to enhance the safety of both taxi drivers and passengers, especially during late-night hours when taxis are in high demand.
As part of the new policy, all Hackney Carriage vehicles must display prominent signs inside the vehicle to inform passengers that CCTV is in operation. The vehicle owner will be responsible for maintaining and servicing the CCTV system to ensure it is in good working condition.
In response to a consultation, council officers received 26 responses. The majority of respondents (23 out of 26) supported the mandatory installation of CCTV, while one respondent favoured a voluntary system, and one was opposed.
The CCTV system will be mandatory for all Hackney Carriage vehicles licensed by BMBC. The cameras will record footage inside the vehicle and will be operational whenever the vehicle is in use for hire. The footage will be owned by the council, which will also act as the data controller for privacy purposes.
Councillor Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and Communities, said: “Hackney carriages and private hire trades provide an essential service, especially late at night when other forms of public transport are not always available. 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.”
“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.”
The policy is expected to be approved at the next cabinet meeting on March 5.