BARNSLEY TAXIS TO GET MANDATORY CCTV IN SAFETY DRIVE

Barnsley is set to implement mandatory CCTV in all its registered hackney carriages this month, aiming to bolster safety for both drivers and passengers.

The move, funded initially by a South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) grant, will see a significant six-figure investment.

Licensing officials are due to brief councillors on the roll-out, which will see operators eventually take on the maintenance costs. A year-long pilot scheme will precede a comprehensive review in April 2026 to assess the system's effectiveness.

A report by senior licensing officer Debbie Bailey highlighted the crucial role taxis play, particularly at night, stating: "It’s recognised that the hackney carriage and private hire trades provide a valuable public service, especially late at night, when other forms of public transport are not always available."

The report emphasised that "Security for both drivers and passengers is a high priority," and that "CCTV cameras can be a valuable deterrent to criminal activity as well as protecting the driver from unjustified complaints."

The policy mandates that "The CCTV system must be in use whenever the vehicle is in use," and that "Warning signage must be clearly and prominently displayed inside the vehicle advising passengers that a CCTV system is in operation."

Any tampering with the system will be taken seriously when considering a driver's or proprietor's fitness to hold a licence.

Cllr Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, stressed the importance of safety, saying: "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."

She also noted the potential benefits for the night-time economy, adding: "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 council hopes the introduction of CCTV will encourage more drivers to operate during late hours, addressing the current shortage and ensuring safer journeys for both night-time revellers and drivers.

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