Agenda item

Councillors Tim Harrison and Habib Rahman left the chamber for the duration of the item.

The Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Corporate Governance and Licensing.

The Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy was adopted by the 29 January 2026 Full Council as originally drafted but it was suggested that the proposal for the Council to mandate the use of CCTV in taxis and private hire vehicles should be considered by the appropriate scrutiny committee.

As such, the following amendment to the policy was to be considered:

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy - Part 2, Point 8 – Driver

Safety and CCTV – further point 2.8.3. 

“Measures such as CCTV are not required as part of the licensing regime, as it is considered that they are best left to the judgement of the owners and drivers themselves.” 

Be replaced with:

“All private hire limousines, taxis and hackney carriages licensed by South Kesteven District Council must be fitted with an approved CCTV system” 

- Any CCTV system must be installed and maintained in accordance with relevant data protection legislation and with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) Guidance 

 - Be operational at all times when the vehicle is being used as a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle   

- The purpose of this requirement is to enhance passenger and driver safety,

support safeguarding obligations, deter criminal and inappropriate behaviour, and assist investigations where allegations are made.”

During discussions, Members commented on the following:

-       It was queried whether CCTV in taxis would be an issue given that many taxis are used to transport children to school. It was confirmed that education authorities who utilise taxis for school runs have their own regulations for taxi drivers.

-       A Member noted concern about the enforceability of mandatory CCTV and feared it would drive consumers to Uber.

-       Another Member noted concern that many taxi drivers would get their license from alternative authorities. Therefore, SKDC would have less awareness about the drivers in the district, and this would undermine the point-system that SKDC operated with their licensed taxi drivers.

-       The Cabinet Member acknowledged these points but did note there were some perks that drivers would have by remaining licensed by SKDC, such as use of the taxi ranks.

-       A Member stated that CCTV cameras were unnecessary as most people could record footage on mobile devices should they feel sufficiently threatened.

-       The Head of Service (Public Protection) confirmed that under delegated powers, and in consultation with the Police, they had acted swiftly to revoke two taxi licences previously.

-       It was suggested that Members agreed with the principle of the CCTV cameras but believed it to be practically unworkable due to the loopholes identified with the inconsistency across national policy.

-       It was suggested that the upcoming English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill 2024-26 was seeking to update and standardise national policy about CCTV cameras within taxis.

-       A visiting Member endorsed the imposition of CCTV within taxis, stating it safeguarded drivers and passengers, it could be done in line with GDPR, and had been adopted by neighbouring Peterborough City Council. Furthermore, there could be a leeway in the installation period, allowing flexibility to spread costs. The indication was given that the costs would likely be approximately £400-1000, plus £52 a year Information Commissioners Office fee. The visiting Member noted that he had engaged with his two Parish Councils on the issue, both of which had indicated support.

-       A Member expressed concern about this additional cost for individuals on low incomes.

-       A Member was sceptical of the effectiveness that the policy would have prior to Local Government Reorganisation.

-       Members suggested that there would be a cost saving to wait for the outcome of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill 2024-26 and utilise transition funding.

-       The visiting Member noted that the most commonly used CCTV system would auto-delete footage after a 28-day period.

-       The Cabinet Member noted that no other authority in Lincolnshire had adopted mandatory CCTV in taxis.

The meeting adjourned for a five-minute period at 13.09 to allow the Democratic Services Officer to correctly record the proposal wording.

Following discussions, it was proposed, seconded, and AGREED that, due to the national loopholes and local impact, the Joint Committee was not minded to introduce the mandatory instillation and use of CCTV cameras within the Councils Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy at this time.

However, the Joint Committee maintained an open view about the mandatory instillation and use of CCTV cameras within the Councils Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy with the matter to be reconsidered in light of updated national guidance in near future.