Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of requiring private hire vehicles to install CCTV cameras for the purpose of enhancing driver and passenger safety.

The legislation that provides for licensing of taxi and private hire vehicle services is enabling in its nature, giving local licensing authorities the discretion to set standards that they deem to be appropriate for their area. Local licensing authorities can already require the installation of CCTV in all taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) and a number already do so.

The Government’s position on recommending the installation of CCTV in taxis and PHVs is being reviewed as part of the drafting of Statutory Guidance to safeguard children and vulnerable adults when using these vehicles. The Government will consult on this early next year.