Compulsory use of CCTV within taxis licensed by Wealden District Council
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)
First Stage of Consultation, December 2023 to January 2024
There were 125 responses. Those that commented about the CCTV aspect were positive about making it mandatory. People were of the view that the introduction of CCTV would improve passenger safety and make them feel safer in licensed vehicles. Others felt that Wealden was a relatively safe area and had concerns about the cost of a CCTV system and that privacy within vehicles could be an issue.
Sussex Police were positive about the introduction of CCTV within vehicles and felt that it would help when investigating complaints or allegations.
Second Stage of Consultation, March 2025 to May 2025
There were 146 responses. The vast majority supported the introduction of CCTV referring to driver and passenger safety. Others in support referred to helping the police, protecting drivers from false accusations, resolving disputes, safety of women and vulnerable persons and protecting drivers from scams.
Those opposed either referenced privacy concerns or cost (in equal numbers). 11 responses said private hire vehicles did not need CCTV, 7 said executive hire should not have CCTV to protect the privacy of business executives, celebrities and VIPs. 6 said Wealden was a low crime area. 5 said only if children and vulnerable people are being transported and one referred to Transport for London not requiring CCTV.
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.
