Agenda item

This report is to advise members of the request by York Taxi Association and York Private Hire Association for permission to install CCTV in licensed vehicles.  It will enable members to consider the issues of cameras in taxis in terms of the potential to (a) decrease the risk of abuse, threats and assaults on drivers, (b) improve the chances of detection especially customers who leave vehicles without paying and (c) increase the safety of hackney carriage and private hire drivers and passengers. Should members approve the installation, the report highlights the proposed steps to be taken by the Licensing Authority to ensure that in car CCTV systems do not infringe passengers’ human rights.

Members considered a report that informed them of the request by York Taxi Association and York Private Hire Association for permission to install CCTV in licensed vehicles.

The Licensing Officer reported that there had been an increase in incidents reported regarding assaults, non-payment of fares and other nuisance behaviour in relation to taxis. A pilot scheme, whereby CCTV was installed in three taxis, took place over the summer of 2007 and there was a noticeable decrease in the number of incidents that took place in these vehicles. It was reported that the driver of the vehicle would not have control over the activation device which would be triggered by either opening a door or starting the engine of the vehicle.

Members discussed the kind of system that would be used and agreed that as long as the system met the requirements set out by the City of York Council then it did not need to be purchased from a particular provider. Members also felt that the Information Commissioner’s Code of Practice should be adhered to in terms of length of time material could be stored and who could access the material.

Members were presented with the following options:

Option 1                    Members are recommended to approve the installation of CCTV in hackney carriage and private hire vehicles licensed by the City of York Council, subject to the conditions contained in the report. The installation is voluntary and all costs borne by the vehicle proprietor.

Option 2                    Members are recommended to approve the installation of CCTV in hackney carriage and private hire vehicles licensed by the City of York Council with modified or additional conditions. The installation is voluntary and all costs borne by the vehicle proprietor.

Option 3                    Reject the application, however, if no conditions are adopted then proprietors will continue to install cameras which may not comply with the conditions set out in paragraph 15 and so not ensure evidential integrity and they may infringe a person’s human rights.

RESOLVED:             That Members approve option 2 as set out in the report with the following conditions:¹

1.      That the system installed is approved by the City of York Council

2.      That the Information Commissioner’s Code of Practice is adhered to

3.      That the product installed conforms with the following:

·        Personal safety – when fitted a camera lens and equipment should present no impact danger to passengers.

·        The quality of recorded images should be of sufficient quality during all lighting conditions to continually demonstrate their strong deterrent value.

·        Passengers should be aware that they are being recorded. The vehicle will carry appropriate signs, approved by the Council, informing the public that camera surveillance is active in the vehicle.

·        Encryption of images stored – the images contained in the recording device may only be downloaded by an authorised officer of the Council or by a Police Officer. The manufacturer will supply the Council with de-encryption software free of charge.

·        Has an appropriate activation device.

·        The recording system and memory card or other image memory recording system within the vehicle and away from public access.

REASON:                  So that users adhere to the Information Commissioner’s Code of Practice and if approved, Members indicate to the Trade that the system is purchased, owned and operated by the licence holder and that the take up is voluntary.