Posted on the 15th October 2025 in PHTM News

DARLINGTON TAXI AND PRIVATE HIRE DRIVERS BACK INTERNAL CCTV CAMERAS

A majority of Darlington taxi and private hire vehicle drivers support a council proposal to install internal CCTV cameras to enhance safety for both drivers and passengers.

A recent public survey on Darlington Borough Council's updated taxi policy found that "64% of respondents backed installing cameras."

However, the council has expressed concerns over the potential financial impact of making internal CCTV mandatory.

The estimated cost is "between £500 and £1,000 alongside maintenance." A council report warned that this expense could lead to drivers seeking licences elsewhere, stating: "If this were made policy, there would be a significant financial incentive for proprietors to license their vehicles elsewhere, thereby reducing effective local control in Darlington." 

The report also concluded that the increased cost for taxi drivers would "inevitably be passed on to those using the service."

The mandatory policy would also make the local authority responsible as the data controller, holding it "liable for any data protection breach by a driver or operator."

Ultimately, the council concluded that the best short-term course of action would be to maintain the current approach: "A pragmatic approach would be to continue with our current policy of encouraging the voluntary use of CCTV, with licence holders following national guidance, whilst a longer-term policy decision is made in line with our regional and national colleagues to ensure there is no incentive to be licensed elsewhere."

The proposals and consultation responses are scheduled for discussion by licensing committee members on October 21.


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