Calls for every Leeds taxi to have CCTV after 'rise in racist abuse'
The council are trying to encourage more cameras in vehicles
Leeds taxi drivers say they're getting more and more racist abuse and they want CCTV in every car for their and the public's safety.
The council's looking into enoucouraging more security cameras in the vehicles after a proposed new policy on it was discussed at a meeting.
Drivers are welcoming the move, telling us they're seeing more and more verbal attacks on them since the Brexit vote in 2016 - many of them racially motivated.
Ghulam Nabi is a Taxi Trade Rep in Leeds:
"If they don't support someone's ideology on Brexit, drivers have been abused. I myself had racist abuse - having the evidence there would have proven that the guy was at fault.
"We get complaints quite regularly from drivers saying they've had abuse and highlighting this issue. Especially with the stone throwing as well - I know that's not racially targeted but we're so visible and people know they can get away with it. But if they know that there are cameras fitted in taxis, maybe that'll stop as well."
The council's new policy will encourage more taxi drivers to have CCTV in their vehicles but won't make it mandatory becuase of worries over privacy.
Council staff have been advised by the information commissioner’s office and the surveillance commissioner that authorities shouldn't make CCTV in vehicles compulsory “unless strong evidence” is provided showing how it addresses safety risks.
Taxi drivers are welcoming the move, saying it could protect them from 'malicious accusations.'
Ghulam says it'll offer more protection for passengers too:
"Obviously we want the public to be feeling safe. I know there have been incidents, not many in Leeds but in the neighbouring authorities, we've had the likes of Rotherham where serious offences have happened. And we want to provide reassurance to the public that we as a trade want to make sure you're safe in our taxis.
"Especially young ladies travelling late at night, we want them to feel safe basically.
"If I get a young lady coming into my taxi and someone's put them in I always tell them 'there's my number on the door, if you want to check to make sure your friend or colleague or wife got home safe you can always contact our office'. The cameras will give them that added security."