CCTV cameras will be installed in Glasgow city taxis

A scheme which was set up to help target the problems from physical assaults and fare disputes is expected to be approved next month, this will mean passengers in Glasgow city taxis will be captured on CCTV. A note was sent to councilors by the authority’s head of licensing acknowledging that CCTV in taxis is potentially more invasive than some other forms of CCTV", and therefore stating that it is essential that any policy "promotes the principles set out in the Data Protection Act".

It adds: "The draft policy sets out a voluntary scheme and will not impose a mandatory requirement on license holders to install CCTV. The primary focus is on ensuring that passenger safety is not compromised by the installation of the CCTV system."

The move is followed by the Scottish Government who conducted a survey which showed that 1 in 3 taxi drivers have been assaulted during work. This move will bring Glasgow into line with Manchester, Liverpool, London and Gateshead, as well as East Renfrewshire Council – the first Scottish council which permitted them as well as Dundee with a similar scheme underway in Edinburgh.

The draft has stated that the system should only have a recording facility where possible. This would only be triggered by the driver when a threat has been made. Also, it should be noted that drivers will not be allowed access to the recorded footage and in order for the footage to be watched it will require an access code. There will be a total of 3 cameras fitted within each vehicle costing approximately £400. Vice-chairman of Glasgow City Taxis Ltd, Stephen Flynn said, "The safety and well-being of all our drivers and customers is essential and we will support all taxi owners who wish to install appropriate CCTV equipment."

A city council spokesman said: "The 2009 pilot was not followed up on the advice of the Information Commissioner because at that time there was a review of all information issues around the Information Bill.”