Taxi and private hire vehicle drivers in Southampton are being urged to make sure they are as safe as possible by having the latest digital cameras fitted to their vehicles.

Southampton City Council, supported by the Government Office for the South East and the Safe City Partnership have secured funding for 90 of the latest digital cameras fitted in taxis and private vehicles, which helps to tackle crime in these vehicles as well as bring any passengers who break the law to justice.

“It is a sad fact that assaults and abuse aimed at taxi and private hire vehicle drivers is becoming more and more common place in society,” said Cabinet member for Health, Adult Social Care & Communities, Councillor Jacqui Rayment.

“People have the right to feel safe and secure when carrying out their jobs and we will not tolerate people being intimidated or verbally or physically assaulted while simply trying to earn a decent living. We want to do all we can to help.

“These cameras are a huge deterrent to criminals, a real help to our taxi drivers and help to provide key evidence in court.”

The cameras are available on a first come, first served basis, unless people have previously requested a camera, at a cost of £150 - representing a huge saving from the advertised price of £550.

The cameras:

*work automatically when the meter is switched on *include a driver override panic button which will trigger fast operation of the cameras to obtain more evidence of what is happening *come with signs to make passengers aware that the vehicle is fitted with the camera *may soon also be able to come with voice recording technology (currently in production) but this would increase the total cost of the equipment by a further £50.

The cameras will be fitted by appointment at a council location.

To apply for a camera or for more information contact Phil Hall, Licensing Enforcement Officer on 023 8083 2704.