CCTV must be installed in all Rushcliffe taxis, say councillors

WOMEN'S SAFETY OVERCOMES PRIVACY FEARS

- By JOSEPH CONNOLLY

CCTV cameras could be installed in all taxis in Rushcliffe.

The idea was first raised by Nottinghamshire county councillor Rory Green, who sent a letter to the leaders of all the county's district and borough councils in June asking them to consider it.

But by then Rushcliffe Borough Council had already begun consulting the public on its new taxi licensing policy.

In October, Rushcliffe councillors voted against officers’ suggestions that there was no evidence that CCTV would help and would burden drivers with unnecessary expense.

A motion to review the policy and consider making CCTV compulsory was brought before all councillors last week.

Councillor Rob Inglis, portfolio holder for environment and safety, said: “We want the best and safest environment in our taxi fleet for our residents and visitors, sooner rather than later. Safeguarding is paramount.”

Labour group leader Chris Grocock said: “We absolutely support the adoption of CCTV. It’s a crucial requirement to have an effective and efficient licensing regime and policy for taxis in Rushcliffe.”

But some councillors disagreed.