Leicestershire Constabulary is working with taxi companies in the city centre to increase driver and passenger safety.
The initiative starts today (Tuesday February 1), and will provide 20 taxis in the city with CCTV cameras free of charge.
Officers hope that the cameras will offer reassurance to both drivers and passengers and also deter members of the public from becoming violent or aggressive when inside the taxis.
Taking part in the initiative is Star Taxis in Uppingham Road, City Line in King Richards Road, Street Cars in Princess Road East and Telelink Taxis in Catherine Street.
The cameras have been purchased by the Safer Leicester Partnership as part of the government funded project TKAP*, a project that focuses on serious youth violence and knife crime.
Sgt Caroline Graham, the officer leading the campaign, said: “The response we have had from the taxi companies involved has been really positive. They are all very enthusiastic about the initiative and hopefully the passengers will feel the same.
“Taxi drivers and passengers should both feel safe from the risk of physical and verbal abuse. What we want is for the visibility of the cameras to encourage responsible behaviour within the taxis and offer reassurance and sense of safety to those travelling through Leicester.
“Serious incidents are rare in taxis in Leicester. By using initiatives likes this the Safer Leicester Partnership hopes it will stay that way and help prevent them from happening at all.”
Bobby Gill, a driver from Telelink taxis, said: “I haven’t been a victim of abuse in my taxi but I do know people who have, so having a camera in the car will make me and other drivers feel safer. I have spoken to the other drivers at Telelink and they are all really keen to get it started.
“CCTV cameras can be expensive to buy and the costs would soon build up for us if we tried to put them in every car.”
* Tackling Knife and Serious Youth Crime Action Programme
Issued on 01/02/11 at 08:30
