Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy

The council recognises that Electronic Surveillance Technology (which includes CCTV) can help provide a safer environment for the benefit of both the driver and passenger.

The council does not currently require CCTV to be installed in licensed vehicles but, if you decide to install CCTV in your licensed vehicle, please let us know as we will keep a record of all vehicles with CCTV and ask that you provide details of the system you intend to install. The council does not specify conditions, recommend any particular system or contribute to the cost of the system.

If you install CCTV into your vehicle, you must register with the Information Commissioners Officer (ICO) as a “data controller”. There is a fee to pay to register with the ICO. Anybody registered with the ICO as a data controller must ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities under data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The legislation means that you, as a data controller, must have a record of any data processing activities, a specific purpose for collecting and processing data and adequate signage. Anyone, including passengers and other drivers, who is captured by your CCTV becomes a “data subject” and any identifiable imagery is considered to be personal data. The CCTV signage in your vehicle acts as informed consent from your passenger that they agree to their personal data being collected, so you must ensure your signage reflects this. The Surveillance Camera Commissioner (SCC) is an excellent source of information for those considering installing CCTV and their free resources include best practice, signage and general guidance, as well as tools and templates. Before you install CCTV you should visit both the SCC and ICO websites.

GDPR acknowledges that CCTV in taxis is important for securing driver and passenger safety and looks to ensure that the data collected is dealt with in an appropriate way. It is important that you understand that you are responsible for any personal data you collect or process. If you do not have good data protection practices in place you may liable to a substantial fine.

For further information contact the Surveillance Camera Commissioner , the Information Commissioner’s Office, your CCTV supplier or seek your own legal advice.