Agenda item

To consider a report by the Chief Officer, Elections and Regulatory which provides a summary of the findings of the recent CCTV working group, the  likely content of a CCTV policy and the areas where further consultation with the trade, general public and neighbouring authorities is required.

(Report attached)

The Chief Officer, Elections and Regulatory submitted a report which provided a summary of the findings of the recent CCTV working group, the likely content of a CCTV policy and the areas where further consultation with the trade, general public and neighbouring authorities was required.

Addressing the report the Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Manager explained that a CCTV working group had been established in August 2019. The group met on four occasions throughout September to November considering a range of issues to develop and implement a new CCTV policy for taxi and private hire vehicles in Leeds. The main issues of discussion included:

·  Aims and objectives of CCTV in taxi and private hire vehicles;

·  Passenger and driver safety priorities and perceptions;

·  Privacy concerns and compliance requirements; and

·  CCTV policy, specifications, and practical concerns

Members queried the length of time CCTV footage would be retained before being deleted.

In responding the Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Manager suggested that 31 calendar days was considered to be the appropriate amount of time.

In the discussion that followed, some Members expressed a preference for 31 active days, suggesting that many drivers operated on a part time basis.

On the issue of privacy, Members queried if the CCTV system could be switched off when the vehicle was not being used as a taxi.

Members were informed that National Guidance advised that CCTV systems must be capable of being turned off.

In respect of consultation, Members queried if the Information Commissioner’s Office had been consulted.

Members were informed that the draft policy had been shared with LCC’s Information Management Team but not with the Information Commissioner’s Office, but there was no reason why the draft policy could not be circulated further.

Reference was made to the mandatory CCTV policy in operation in Rotherham with Members querying the background to this.

It was confirmed that the CCTV policy in Rotherham was mandatory, it was explained that Rotherham Council had put forward a special case for adopting a mandatory policy citing “extreme circumstances”. Other authorities were pursuing a strong voluntary code in the first instance, although a mandatory system had at one point been proposed by local authorities in Greater Manchester.

Members asked if it was worthwhile considering a mandatory CCTV policy for Leeds given there had been allegations of rape/ assault having taking place in taxis.

With reference to National Guidance the Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Manager said the proposal was to pursue a voluntary code first.  Allegations of rape/ assault would continue to be pursued when reported to authorities.

The Chair sought details of the potential costs of CCTV systems and the impact on LCC resources.

Members were informed that the cost of a CCTV system (cameras, audio controls and a hard drive) was in the region of £500. The Council currently offer funding up to 50% of the costs but funding was limited. In terms of impact on LCC resources, it was suggested that if there was a large take up of CCTV use by the trade, the implications may be substantial with up to two full time officers being taken away from existing duties to view CCTV footage in the event of complaints.

The Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Manager said it may be appropriate in the near future for officers from Taxi and Private Hire Licensing to meet with Safer Leeds to discuss common interests in terms of: viewing CCTV footage, maintenance of cameras and repairs. 

  In drawing the discussion to a conclusion the Chair thanked Councillors: Bithell, Marshall – Katung and Wray for their participation in the CCTV Working Group. He suggested that Members appeared to be generally supportive of the use of CCTV in taxi and private hire vehicles, However, there needs to be clear guidance and safeguards about how CCTV should be used.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted

(ii)  That the Draft Policy on the use of CCTV in Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles be released for public consultation