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Date: 16/2/07
Author:  Pam Caulfield
Source: 24dash.com

A pilot scheme to fit CCTV cameras inside taxis in Sheffield has led to a dramatic reduction in abuse and attacks against drivers.

The cameras were installed in 33 cabs as part of a £7,000 trial funded by the Safer Communities Partnership in December.

Initial results obtained from the pilot show an average of one incident for every 100 fares, compared to one in seven before the scheme started.

An average of 14.9% of journeys monitored prior to having a CCTV camera fitted demonstrated some sort of incident, typically including verbal or physical abuse, fare-dodging, threats of violence or damage to the taxi.

Results from the trial show that only 0.9% of journeys in cabs with CCTV fitted showed some sort of incident.

The scheme has been developed jointly by the Black Cab Driver Association, the Private Hire Driver Association, the Hackney Carriage Association, Sheffield City Council and South Yorkshire Police.

Cllr Chris Weldon, Cabinet Member for Safer Neighbourhoods said, "The statistics show the scheme has had a very significant impact. All the drivers who have got the cameras are delighted. They have said it’s made a huge difference."

“Some passengers have also said they feel safer in a taxi which has cameras fitted, so it is not just the drivers who benefit."

Taxi drivers will now be encouraged to take up the option of having cameras fitted in their cabs.

Funds are not available to buy a camera for every taxi in Sheffield however staff from Sheffield City Council’s Safer Neighbourhoods Team, who have managed the scheme, will be arranging a trade fair with equipment suppliers to help drivers get the best deal.

Many taxi drivers are self-employed and will be able to claim back the costs for the kit.

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