Taxi drivers in Bournemouth are urging the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council to make CCTV mandatory in all cabs, arguing it would be a "deterrent" against crime and provide crucial protection for both drivers and passengers.
Despite strong calls from the local taxi industry, the council currently has "no plans" to implement such a policy, citing insufficient evidence of need.
Drivers say they would "100 per cent" support a mandatory CCTV policy.
Kevin Holmes, 73, (left) a director at Mobile Radio Cars, recounted multiple incidents throughout his long career, including a robbery where he had a "knife held to my throat."
He believes cameras would make a significant difference: "As soon as they know they’re on camera, they tend to quieten down." Holmes emphasised the dual benefit, stating: "It’s also there for the protection of the customer, particularly young girls going home after a night out."
Pete Vass and Richard Elsam (right), directors for United Taxis, echoed these sentiments, suggesting CCTV would give passengers "confidence to use cabs more regularly."
They highlighted its potential to deter various crimes, including "drug dealing and child exploitation," and assist police investigations.
Above all, they stated: "It would protect both drivers from false accusations and passengers from rogue drivers. Something that dispassionately records the truth without human bias, really cannot come too soon."
However, Councillor Andy Martin, BCP cabinet member for customer, communications and culture, confirmed the council's current stance.
"Our policy permits the installation of CCTV in all licensed vehicles... There are currently no plans to make CCTV mandatory in licensed vehicles within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as there is insufficient evidence to support the need."
He added that the council takes all complaints regarding driver behaviour "very seriously," with potential licence revocations for violations.
The unnamed driver's licence was revoked following his conviction for two offences of harassment without violence.
The potential policy change has sparked debate, with concerns about practicality and environmental impact clashing with calls for broader vehicle options and accessibility.
Jennie Harrison, 35, regularly faces last-second cancellations or outright refusals from drivers once they spot her guide dog, despite it being against the law.
Labour Cllr Corrine Chikandamina, who estimates she takes taxis 1,500 times a year, brought the alarming issue to a meeting of the Regulatory Committee on Thursday, June 26.
The test covers all MOT items, plus the council’s supplementary testing items. Upon passing the test, a Certificate of Compliance is issued.
The terrifying spree unfolded late on Tuesday night, June 24, and into the early hours of Wednesday, targeting drivers from three different taxi firms: Capital Taxis, Inverness Taxis, and City Taxis.
Sajid Hussain, who committed two speeding violations on December 17 and 19, 2022, while working as a taxi driver, paid £600 to have false details and fake insurance documents created.
Hampshire Police is urging people to be vigilant after an Uber driver raised the alarm over a suspected courier fraud scam.
A recent safety blitz on private hire vehicles in the Warwick district has led to 12 vehickles being temporarily taken off the road due to various defects, ensuring greater passenger safety.
The DUAA is a new piece of legislation that updates some existing laws about digital information matters.
The disciplinary action is one of several taken against taxi and private hire drivers in the borough between February and May of this year.
Under the new proposals, the base fare for the initial 880 yards of a journey would see an increase from £3.90 to £4.40.
The decision, made at a licensing meeting on Wednesday, June 18, will now open to public representations before final approval.
This backing follows increasing public outcry, notably after the death of 65-year-old Twickenham minicab driver Rob Dale in November 2024.
Taxi drivers had sought to raise the basic fare and subsequent distance charges, citing rising operational costs.
Graham Head, 68, was re-convicted on Thursday 19 June, by a jury at Lewes Crown Court following an eight-hour deliberation.
The proposals were put forward by the borough's taxi drivers, who cited that fares hadn't risen in three years.
The study reveals a dramatic shift in Uber's "take rate," from an initial fixed 20% (later rising to 25%) to an average of 29%, and in some instances, exceeding 50% of a fare.
This ambitious move signals a direct challenge to Waymo's established dominance and intensifies the race as Tesla also vies for a slice of the self-driving taxi industry.
The changes, approved by the new Reform executive panel on Tuesday, June 17, aim to unify the region's disparate taxi zones into one harmonised system and are set to take effect from September.