CCTV grant for cab drivers

Kirklees Council offered match funding for the new system which it hopes will deter antisocial behaviour and give drivers peace of mind.

It comes after West Yorkshire Police recorded 425 incidents of antisocial behaviour on taxi drivers between November 1 2008 and September 30 2009.

The system works by taking 15 seconds of images when a passenger enters and leaves the vehicle and can be set to record the journey if the driver feels threatened. The information is saved and can be downloaded if required.

Passengers will be warned that CCTV is in operation by stickers in the vehicles.

Coun Peter O’Neill, Cabinet member for safer communities, said: “I am glad this scheme is about to begin operating.

“Similar schemes introduced elsewhere have shown an immediate and massive reduction in the number of crimes against taxi drivers and we hope these results will be seen in Kirklees.”

The equipment was available to the first 120 drivers who applied. Drivers must pay £225 towards the cost of the equipment and warranty and the other half is being paid by Kirklees Council.

Kirklees Hackney Carriage Association secretary Akooji Badat said drivers welcomed the scheme - but they were disappointed by how much they had to pay towards it.

He said: “Everything is very welcome but the drivers feel it’s still a lot of money to pay.

“The drivers will definitely go for it but I don’t think Kirklees will get the response.”

Fitting of the cameras was due to take place this week at Kirklees Council’s licensing office in Huddersfield.

Once the equipment has been installed it belongs to the taxi driver and can be moved between vehicles for around £70.