EAST RIDING

All taxi drivers in the East Riding will be required to have CCTV operating in their cabs by next April under new licensing rules.

Around two-thirds of the 328 licensed drivers in the county already have CCTV and dashcam systems fitted as part of a voluntary scheme operated by East Riding Council over the past three years.

But from next year the remainder will have to install similar systems in their vehicles or face having their licences revoked.
The move was approved by the council's cabinet this week. The new rule will apply to both private hire and hackney carriage drivers.

Councillor Shaun Horton, portfolio holder with responsibility for licensing, said: "The reaction to the voluntary scheme has been extremely positive.


About two thirds of East Riding taxis now have cctv

"It has been welcomed by the industry and passengers alike and I am sure this new policy will also be a success."

Drivers who have taken part in the voluntary scheme say they believe the presence of CCTV has coincided with a reduction in violent incidents and non-payment of fares.
In addition, film footage has been used by the police and council licensing officers as evidence in investigations into cases of assault, theft and burglary.
It has also been used to counter false allegations made by passengers against drivers.

Other policy changes agreed this week include removing the requirement for drivers to complete a professional Btec qualification during the first 12 months of being licensed.

The qualification included a so-called knowledge test as well as training on safeguarding issues.
 
However, councillors heard the removal of government funding had led to a reduction in the number of independent training providers while the quality of some training had been found to be "questionable" in some cases.
A requirement for drivers to complete a NVQ course delivered in-house by the council remains part of the authority's licensing policy.
The council also plans to continue rolling out its programme of encouraging hackney carriage operators to use the authority's distinctive green and white livery on their vehicles.

So far, just under half of the East Riding's hackney cabs are painted green and white.

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