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CCTV for Blackpool cabs
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Town hall bosses have begun a 16,000 initiative to install CCTV cameras in Hackney cabs in a bid to crack down on taxi attacks.
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More than 30 taxis are to be installed with the new spy-in-the-car systems over the coming weeks with the first making their debut on the streets at the weekend.
Hackney drivers have been chosen to pilot the scheme which, if successful, will be rolled out private hire firms later this year.
Over the past 12 months there were more than 300 reported crimes against taxi drivers in the report, including violent attacks, abuse and vandalism to cars and taxi ranks.
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This new scheme uses state-of-the-art technology to record visual and audio of the cab and organisers hope it will help bring more prosecutions against those who have carried out crimes in cabs, as well as acting as a deterrent.
A similar scheme carried out in Liverpool over the past year saw a decrease in attacks on taxi drivers by around 90 per cent.
Ted Rhodes, licensing chief at Blackpool Council, said: "The funding has come from both BSafe Blackpool and the council matched this.
"There is no cost to the taxi firms and should we need evidence for prosecutions. The vehicle will not be off the road as it is a card system which gathers the data.
"We are pleased to carry out this initiative as it will put a lot of minds at rest. If it proves successful, the funding will be available for it to be rolled out to other private firms."
Black cabs were chosen to be the first to use the scheme because they are more likely to be flagged down by customers, unlike private firms who normally arrange pick-ups in advance.
Maurice Myers, a hackney cab driver for six years, said a lot of drivers would feel safer knowing their every move was being watched by CCTV.
He added: "It will make me feel more safe on the streets.
"This last weekend was the first time I have had the CCTV inside the cab and the difference from one week to the next was a lot. If people realise they are being watched their attitudes change."
Steve Buckley, a local hackney carriage driver, said: "The CCTV cameras are an excellent idea and will benefit us in the long run. Measures like this are needed to keep drivers safe."
Coun Henry Mitchell, chairman of licensing at Blackpool Council, said: "This initiative will undoubtedly improve the quality of service for both driver and passengers."
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Weather for Blackpool
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
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