30
Jan
2014
By Calvin at 14:29 GMT, 12 years ago
TAXI drivers in Glasgow have been given permission to install CCTV cameras in their cabs in an attempt to gather evidence from assaults to fare disputes.
Following consultation with the trade and Scotland's Information Commissioner all operators of black cabs and private hire cars in the city can now fit their vehicles with the cameras after the scheme was given the go-ahead by the local authority. This follows a failed attempt in 2009 after the Information Commissioner recommended not taking it forward, because there had been concerns of potential legal action due to infringement of civil liberties.
After hearing CCTV was a valuable tool for crime prevention and an enhancement to the safety of drivers and passengers the council's licensing committee gave the go-ahead.
Under the Data Protection Act taxi operators using CCTV will become the ‘controller’ for recorded images and be responsible for protecting an individual's privacy. Images can be kept for up to 31 days, must be stored securely and not be downloaded onto memory sticks, CDs or other portable devices.
Police and licensing officers will only be able to review the images after a written request. In line with Data Protection individuals can view the images if they are the subject of the recording.
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Herald Scotland on-line: http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/crime-courts/green-light-for-cctv-in-taxis.23299675
