Barnsley Council is proposing to install CCTV cameras in private hire vehicles used for home-to-school transport, building on a successful pilot programme that placed cameras in the town's hackney carriages.
The new initiative, detailed in a council report, aims to improve safety for both drivers and passengers and address challenging behaviour.
The move comes after the council successfully rolled out CCTV in hackney carriages, funded by a £173,500 grant from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
This initial project was designed to "enhance both passenger and driver safety by deterring criminal activity." While a third of hackney carriage drivers had opposed the cameras, the scheme still went ahead.
According to a council report: "There are sufficient funds remaining from the pilot scheme to now offer the installation of CCTV to our private hire vehicle owners that hold a home-to-school transport contract with the local authority."
The report highlights that this group of drivers "experience similar concerns regarding dealing with challenging behaviours from some passengers in their vehicles."
The report also notes that "CCTV in these vehicles will also enhance safeguarding protocols."
The proposal aligns with a broader goal to "increase both driver and passenger safety and encourage more drivers to work at unsociable times," with the council recognising that taxis "provide a valuable public service, especially late at night."
The report also adds that cameras can "protect the driver from unjustified complaints."
The Department for Transport is currently asking licensing authorities to evaluate the potential impact of CCTV in taxis and private hire vehicles.
Barnsley Council is starting a public consultation on the new plans, which is scheduled to run from September 5 to October 17.
The proposals are set to be discussed by councillors at a meeting today.
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