Mandatory CCTV in Licensed Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles

This consultation has now closed.

Date of consultation: Monday, July 4, 2022 - Sunday, August 14, 2022

Consultation summary

This Consultation is now closed

 

Consultation on whether it would be proportionate for all taxis and private hire vehicles, licensed by Stroud District Council, to have a mandatory obligation to have CCTV in the vehicle, balancing public and driver safety against privacy and cost.

Why we are consulting

The Department for Transport (DfT) published its Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards in July 2020 with a strong focus to protect all passengers and users of taxis and private hire transport services.

The statutory guidance makes it clear that the Government expects the recommendations contained within it to be implemented unless there is a compelling local reason not to.

The DfT’s Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards states that:

“All licensing authorities should consult to identify if there are local circumstances which indicate that the installation of CCTV in vehicles would have either a positive or an adverse net effect on the safety of taxi and private hire vehicle users, including children or vulnerable adults, and taking into account potential privacy issues.

The DfT’s view is that CCTV can provide additional deterrence to prevent the potential risk to public safety when passengers travel in taxis and private hire vehicles and has investigative value when it does. Its view is that “The use of CCTV can provide a safer environment for the benefit of taxi/private hire vehicle passengers and drivers.”

To this end, each of the licensing authorities in Gloucestershire are conducting an initial consultation to identify if there are local circumstances in each district which indicate that the installation of CCTV in vehicles would have either a positive or an adverse net effect on the safety of taxi and private hire vehicle users, including children or vulnerable adults. In addition, the consultation is seeking views on whether it would be proportionate for the the installation of CCTV to be made a mandatory condition of a vehicle licence. Any decision to make it a mandatory condition will take account of the benefits to public safety as well as any adverse effects including potential privacy concerns and costs to the licensed vehicle holder.

Next Steps

We will analyse the consultation feedback to decide if there is local evidence in Stroud District to support a mandatory requirement for CCTV in  vehicles licensed by Stroud District Council.

Where we consider there to be such a requirement, we will undertake further consultation and engagement with the licensed trade and key stakeholders to develop a CCTV policy and specifications for CCTV systems.

Link to Consultation Survey