Update 15 March 2021
An easy read version of the consultation material can be found below.
CCTV in taxis and PHVs consultation - easy read version (PDF 2.91MB)
- update ends -
We are reviewing the use of in-vehicle closed circuit television (CCTV) in London’s:
At present, taxi and PHV owners can choose whether to install in-vehicle CCTV in their vehicles.
The Department for Transport (DfT)’s statutory guidance states that all licensing authorities should consult to identify if there are local circumstances which indicate that the installation of CCTV in vehicles would have either a positive or an adverse net effect on the safety of taxi and PHV users, including children or vulnerable adults, and taking into account potential privacy issues.
We are not consulting on specific proposals. Instead, we are seeking respondents’ views on the following:
All responses to this consultation will be carefully considered before determining the next steps which could include a second consultation.
When considering the timing of the next steps we will take into account the current situation and the impact the Coronavirus pandemic has had on taxi and private hire licensees in London.
Why are we consulting?
TfL licenses and regulates London taxi (black cab) and private hire services. Private hire includes minicabs and other services (e.g. limousines, chauffeur services, tour guides, some accessible transport services).
In July 2020, the Department for Transport (DfT) published statutory taxi and PHV standards. The focus of the standards is on protecting children and vulnerable adults, although all passengers will benefit from the recommendations, which aim to better regulate the taxi and PHV sector.
The standards include a section on in-vehicle CCTV in taxis and PHVs which states that:
“All licensing authorities should consult to identify if there are local circumstances which indicate that the installation of CCTV in vehicles would have either a positive or an adverse net effect on the safety of taxi and private hire vehicle users, including children or vulnerable adults,and taking into account potential privacy issues.”
What is in-vehicle CCTV?
Some taxis and PHVs in London already have in-vehicle CCTV installed. The main features of in-vehicle CCTV systems in taxis and PHVs are:
In-vehicle CCTV does not include external/road facing cameras such as dashcams.
Research has shown that in London, less than 10% of taxi and PHV drivers have in-vehicle CCTV installed in their vehicle.
You can let us know your views on in-vehicle CCTV in taxis and PHVs by completing the online survey below by Monday 22 March 2021.
Alternatively, you can:
You can also request a paper copy of the consultation and a response form, copies in Braille, large text or another language by emailing consultations@tfl.gov.uk or writing to us.
We are particularly keen to hear the views of taxi and private hire drivers, stakeholders who represent children, vulnerable adults, disabled people, people with accessibility requirements, taxi passengers and PHV passengers.
If you represent any of these groups and would like to discuss in-vehicle CCTV in taxis and PHVs with us then please email us at consultations@tfl.gov.uk.
Once the consultation has closed we will review all of the responses.
The potential next steps include:
When considering the timing of the next steps we will take into account the current situation and the impact the Coronavirus pandemic has had on taxi and private hire licensees in London.
Share
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook