Barnsley Council to Mandate CCTV in All Licensed Taxis by April 2025

CCTV to Become Mandatory in Barnsley Licensed Taxis by 2025

Barnsley’s General Licensing Regulatory Board has announced a major policy shift for the town's Hackney Carriage fleet.

By April 2025, all 67 licensed taxis in Barnsley are set to be equipped with mandatory in-car CCTV systems. This significant move comes after funding was secured from the Transport Innovation Fund, alongside a pilot scheme beginning early next year.

CCTV Systems Aim to Improve Safety for Drivers and Passengers

The CCTV cameras installed in Barnsley licensed taxis will focus on recording the interior of the vehicles to enhance safety for both passengers and drivers. The new policy aims to deter criminal activity, reduce conflicts between drivers and passengers, and encourage more drivers to work during late or unsociable hours.

The CCTV footage captured by the cameras could also be used as evidence in legal proceedings, offering a layer of protection for drivers and passengers.

Signage will be placed inside the vehicles to notify passengers about the surveillance. Audio recording may also be included, pending approval of data protection regulations.

Public Consultation and Policy Review

The pilot scheme, exclusively targeting Hackney Carriage Vehicles, is scheduled for implementation by April 2025. It will run for approximately six months, after which a review will assess the effectiveness of the CCTV system and evaluate taxi availability in the town center.

During this period, views from local drivers, operators, and the public will be gathered to finalize the policy. A review of the CCTV implementation will take place in February 2025 to assess its effectiveness.

The local council's primary aim with this policy is to protect vulnerable individuals and enhance the overall safety of the taxi service. Barnsley’s existing policy had already encouraged the voluntary installation of CCTV, and this new shift aims to make such surveillance mandatory across the Hackney Carriage fleet.

Pilot Scheme and Implementation Timeline

A pilot scheme for the installation of CCTV in Barnsley licensed taxis will begin in early 2025.

All Hackney Carriage vehicles will be required to fit the systems by April 2025. The six-month pilot will allow the council to assess the effectiveness of the new measure and determine whether it improves safety and service availability, especially in the town centre during busy periods.

While the CCTV systems will be provided by the council, the ownership of the equipment will transfer to the taxi owners upon installation. These owners will be responsible for maintaining the systems, ensuring they are properly serviced and fully operational.

Importance of Community Involvement

Barnsley’s General Licensing Regulatory Board is actively seeking community feedback on the mandatory CCTV policy. A public consultation period will run until January 3, 2025, giving the public, taxi operators, and drivers an opportunity to voice their opinions and suggestions before the final policy is approved.

As the council moves forward with the mandatory CCTV installation, it hopes the move will foster a safer and more secure taxi environment in Barnsley, benefitting both passengers and licensed drivers alike.