Cabbies urged to fit crime cameras

Costs have fallen to the point where systems can be rented for 5 a week and Rotherham Council's licensing department is trying to encourage as many cab operators as possible to adopt the use of cameras.

One event to promote cameras has already been held and attracted colleagues from Barnsley Council as well as one of that town's biggest taxi operators.

Now a further meeting has been arranged and it is hoped the equipment will lead to a significant reduction in crime.

Deborah Bragg, Licensing Manager for Rotherham Council, said: "Taxi drivers are lone workers so they need to be equipped with the tools to do their job safely such as basic safety rules on being alert and aware of what is going on around them, not having money on display and being aware when a passenger gives vague instructions on their destination.

"These basic rules and the added protection of CCTV or a safety screen installed in the vehicle, can go some way to ensuring their safety."