A driver campaigning against controversial plans to record all conversations in city cabs has been told the system is here to stay.

Oxford City Council told Khalil Ahmed, pictured, that most drivers support the camera plan and it was vital to improve safety.

The Oxford Mail reported on Tuesday that Mr Ahmed had secured 100 drivers’ signatures opposing the scheme.

It comes as a former taxi chief says he believes an increasing number of drivers are now opposed to the plans.

Council licensing leader Julian Alison told Mr Ahmed in a letter: “The argument relating to ‘privacy’ is not so relevant in this matter.

“Once a vehicle is licensed, the level of privacy expected is not the same as for a private motor car.”

He said the scheme – to record audio and sound as soon as the ignition is switched on – was requested by drivers.

Mr Alison said: “Any concerns raised have been discussed and resolved.”

As more than 900 drivers are licensed to drive the city’s 665 taxi and private hire vehicles, he said the petition did not represent the views of most.

Recordings would only be accessed by council officers over a “specific incident” and sound is needed for evidence of antisocial behaviour.

And he said recordings will also help tackle breaches of council codes for drivers.

He said: “Unfortunately, the level of non-compliance (with driver codes) is of great concern, and exceeds one incident each day.”

Supporters also say recording will provide vital evidence for passenger allegations against drivers.

But Mr Ahmed, a part-time private hire driver for 001 Taxis in St Aldate’s, said the response showed “disdain” for drivers’ views.

He said: “There is a big, big majority of opinion against this. It is not just drivers who are saying it, it is members of the public.”

Former City of Oxford Licensed Taxi Cab Association general secretary Alan Woodward backed cameras when they were agreed last year.

But he said: “Once they (drivers) realised what it involves, they are not interested.”

The £400 cameras must go in new cabs after April 1 and be fitted in all by March 2015.

Richard Barlow, a private hire driver for 001 Taxis said he would get a system this year. The Kidlington resident said: “I’m all for it. You will get more passengers, women will travel more.”

Yet he said recordings should start when meters are activated, rather than the engine.

During his 35 years working on and off in the city, he said he suffered minor attacks three times and passengers had “occasionally” refused to pay.

He said: “What have they got to hide? I’d rather have my safety than anything else.”

The Information Commissioner, the UK’s official data watchdog, is in talks with the council in a bid to force a u-turn on the CCTV plans.