Taxi drivers reject compulsory installation of security cameras

Monday, 29 February 2016 10:08

The majority of taxi drivers say they should be allowed to continue to exercise discretion about the use of such equipment

Taxi drivers have come out against the compulsory installation of security cameras in their vehicles...

The National Transport Authority will not make the use of safety equipment, including in-vehicle cameras, mandatory for taxis and hackneys after a public consultation process which saw the majority of respondents objecting to the measure.

The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner had also signalled that there could be legal issues surrounding the use of CCTV cameras in taxis.

The majority of taxi drivers say they should be allowed to continue to exercise discretion about the use of such equipment.

Taxi drivers across Cork have regularly raised fears about their safety and came together to call for increased security in their cars in the wake of a vicious attack two years ago on one of Cork's longest standing drivers John Forde.

His case which was highlighted on the Neil Prendeville Show on RedFM led taxi drivers to directly appeal for government assistance to have security cameras installed in their vehicles.

Speaking to RedFM News these taxi drivers working in the city say they don't feel safe any more.