Peterborough Councillor Campaigns for Mandatory CCTV in UK Taxis

Peterborough councillor Daisy Blakemore-Creedon is campaigning to make CCTV mandatory in all licensed taxis and private hire vehicles across the UK, arguing that it would enhance safety for both drivers and passengers by deterring bad behavior, resolving disputes, and increasing confidence during late-night journeys. She highlights that only 8% of authorities currently require CCTV in all licensed taxis, resulting in inconsistent safety standards. While many drivers, including hackney carriage driver Jake Carter, recognize the potential safety benefits, they express concerns about the cost of CCTV installation and maintenance, which would fall on them, as well as the privacy issue of cameras recording when vehicles are used privately. Drivers also note that there are existing safety measures and rigorous licensing checks in place that mitigate risks. Blakemore-Creedon, who resigned from the Labour Group after claiming she faced accusations of racism for her stance, insists that safety should not be politicized and that urgent action is needed to protect vulnerable individuals. The proposal has sparked debate regarding balancing safety improvements with financial and privacy considerations for drivers.