Compulsory use of CCTV within taxis licensed by Wealden District Council

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CCTV is common place around public spaces, on public transport and even in our homes. The presence of CCTV offers safeguards and enhances feelings of safety.

We are currently consulting on the idea that CCTV could become compulsory in taxis, including both hackney carriages and private hire vehicles. In line with Government statutory guidance, the council is assessing the benefits and considerations associated with implementing CCTV in all licensed vehicles.

Several key factors have been identified: Why consider CCTV in taxis? (click to open)

Public Safety

Public safety remains the number one responsibility of the local authority when licensing taxis and private hire vehicles. Previous consultations on this topic have shown that some passengers and drivers feel safer when CCTV is installed in vehicles.

The police have also expressed that CCTV would assist them in investigations that they make into reports of inappropriate behaviour within vehicles.

Protection and Access to CCTV Recordings

To safeguard privacy and security, access to CCTV recordings will be strictly limited:

  • Only the local authority, police, or other enforcement agencies will be permitted to review recordings in response to a complaint.
  • Vehicle owners and drivers will not have access to recordings.
  • Individuals recorded in a taxi can request access to footage via a subject access request, but other passengers’ identities will be protected.
  • If no complaints are made, recordings will be automatically deleted after approximately 30 days (to be confirmed on introduction of any policy).

Privacy Considerations

While some may view CCTV as an invasion of privacy, the system will be designed to balance security with discretion. Recordings will only be retrieved in response to reported incidents, ensuring that personal privacy is not unnecessarily compromised. Any access to recordings will follow strict data protection protocols.


We are committed to ensuring public safety while respecting individual privacy. We are currently seeking feedback from the public, taxi drivers, and other relevant stakeholders regarding the mandatory implementation of CCTV in taxis. It is strongly encouraged that you participate in this discussion to ensure that the final decision reflects the best interests of all involved. Please find the consultation survey below. This consultation closes on 16 May 2025.


CCTV is common place around public spaces, on public transport and even in our homes. The presence of CCTV offers safeguards and enhances feelings of safety.

We are currently consulting on the idea that CCTV could become compulsory in taxis, including both hackney carriages and private hire vehicles. In line with Government statutory guidance, the council is assessing the benefits and considerations associated with implementing CCTV in all licensed vehicles.

Several key factors have been identified: Why consider CCTV in taxis? (click to open)

Public Safety

Public safety remains the number one responsibility of the local authority when licensing taxis and private hire vehicles. Previous consultations on this topic have shown that some passengers and drivers feel safer when CCTV is installed in vehicles.

The police have also expressed that CCTV would assist them in investigations that they make into reports of inappropriate behaviour within vehicles.

Protection and Access to CCTV Recordings

To safeguard privacy and security, access to CCTV recordings will be strictly limited:

  • Only the local authority, police, or other enforcement agencies will be permitted to review recordings in response to a complaint.
  • Vehicle owners and drivers will not have access to recordings.
  • Individuals recorded in a taxi can request access to footage via a subject access request, but other passengers’ identities will be protected.
  • If no complaints are made, recordings will be automatically deleted after approximately 30 days (to be confirmed on introduction of any policy).

Privacy Considerations

While some may view CCTV as an invasion of privacy, the system will be designed to balance security with discretion. Recordings will only be retrieved in response to reported incidents, ensuring that personal privacy is not unnecessarily compromised. Any access to recordings will follow strict data protection protocols.


We are committed to ensuring public safety while respecting individual privacy. We are currently seeking feedback from the public, taxi drivers, and other relevant stakeholders regarding the mandatory implementation of CCTV in taxis. It is strongly encouraged that you participate in this discussion to ensure that the final decision reflects the best interests of all involved. Please find the consultation survey below. This consultation closes on 16 May 2025.


  • Your opinion matters! Wealden District Council invites residents, taxi drivers, and interested stakeholders to share their thoughts through this consultation. The feedback gathered will play a vital role in shaping the final decision on implementing CCTV in taxis across the district.

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Page last updated: 24 Mar 2025, 09:26 AM