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Posted on the 15th January 2025 in PHTM News
NEW FOREST COUNCIL CONSIDERS CCTV FOR TAXIS AND OTHER POLICY CHANGES
New Forest District Council is currently reviewing its taxi licensing policy, with a focus on enhancing driver standards and safety.
While the draft policy does not currently mandate the installation of CCTV in licensed vehicles, the issue has been raised and will be subject to further consideration.
During a committee meeting on 10 January, Conservative Councillor Steve Clark expressed support for exploring the use of CCTV in taxis.
"If you look at all forms of public transport now, buses, trains, everything, they all have CCTV," he stated.
“The cost of CCTV equipment over the years has come down quite considerably and it wouldn’t be onerous I think to have CCTV installed within taxi vehicles.
“This is for the benefit of not just the public, but it is for the benefit of the drivers as well because we see a number of complaints and issues around drivers made from the public, which on occasion can be quite unfair to the drivers.”
Liberal Democrat councillor David Harrison said it did not seem “very sensible” to have mandatory CCTV for vehicles licensed with neighbouring Southampton City Council and not in the New Forest.
Cllr Harrison said: “If anything, the risks are greater in the New Forest. A rural type area where things can happen not within the sight of the public who might intervene or deter these things."
The draft policy, developed through extensive consultation with licence holders, neighbouring authorities, union representatives and the public, includes several key improvements:
- Enhanced Driver Standards: More stringent DBS checks, an updated DBS scheme, and a formal code of conduct for driver behaviour and appearance.
- Vehicle Standards: Updated regulations regarding the age and condition of licensed vehicles.
- Private Hire Vehicle Identification: Improved signage requirements for private hire vehicles.
The committee has recommended the amended draft policy for approval at the full council meeting next month.
While the immediate introduction of mandatory CCTV is not included, the council has committed to further review this aspect, considering factors such as cost, data protection and the specific needs of the New Forest.
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