Posted on the 4th November 2025 in PHTM News
RUSHCLIFFE COUNCIL SPLIT ON MANDATORY TAXI CCTV POLICY AGREES TO 12-MONTH REVIEW
Rushcliffe Borough Council has agreed to review its new taxi licensing policy after a contentious meeting revealed divisions over the decision not to mandate the installation of CCTV in licensed vehicles.
A draft of the new Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy for 2025 to 2030 was presented to the Licensing Committee on Monday, October 27, with an aim to reverse the decline in licensed taxis.
The council had decided not to amend the policy, despite a letter from a Nottinghamshire councillor asking for the adoption of CCTV to be considered as it had been received when Rushcliffe’s new draft policy was in a period of public consultation.
Councillors on the committee on Monday questioned the move not to consider introducing the mandate.
Newly-defected Reform member Debbie Soloman argued the exclusion could compromise public comfort and safety, especially for women at night. “I would feel uncomfortable, and I do, getting in a taxi late at night with just me and someone I’ve just met picking me up... Girls particularly actively avoid going in a taxi at night with a driver because the taxi does not have CCTV,” she stated, adding her own adult children and their friends “would be far more comfortable” with CCTV.
Officers advised that only 22 of the UK’s 249 local authorities require CCTV, and that those who do, such as Bolsover and Rotherham, have seen a reduction in the number of licences issued - the opposite of the council's goal.
They also cited the cost to drivers, estimated between £450 and £600 per system, and the "burden" the mandate would place on the council for data control and specifications for the CCTV systems.
Conservative councillor Hetvi Parek agreed with the decision, asking: “Is there an evidence base here for us to be proactive? Also, wouldn’t continuous recording violate human rights?” Officers responded that there was "no evidence for the need for CCTV in Rushcliffe," unlike other areas where the need was clear.
However, Debbie Solomon countered: “It’s about prevention rather than waiting for an issue to happen, then say it should come in. We don’t want to follow Rotherham’s route, because they’re the worst example.”
The committee ultimately agreed to an amendment proposed by Independent Carys Thomas, making the policy's endorsement “subject to a review, specific to CCTV, in 12 months’ time.”
The revised policy will now be reviewed for final approval at full council on November 27.
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