RESIDENTS and business will be asked their views on plans to install CCTV cameras in all taxis as council bosses agreed to press ahead with the scheme.

Colchester Council's licensing committee has approved the next step towards making the long-mooted proposals, which it says will improve safety for drivers and the public, a reality.

A consultation will open at the end of the month, before a decision is made on whether to implement the proposals for all hackney carriages and private hire vehicles across the borough.

Mike Lilley, councillor responsible for communities, wellbeing and public safety, said: "I’m pleased that our licensing committee has agreed to take this proposed policy forward to consultation.

"Installing CCTV cameras in hackney carriage and private hire vehicles will increase safety and provide reassurance to both passengers and drivers.”

The CCTV cameras would continually record images when the vehicle is in use but sound would only be recorded when the driver presses a panic button.

Data recorded on the cameras cannot be monitored by the driver or vehicle owner and would only be recovered when necessary by Colchester Council.

Mr Lilley (Lab, Old Heath and Hythe) added: "I see this as a proactive move to ensure we’re doing all we can to keep those who live, work and visit Colchester safe.

"Research has shown that when someone is being recorded, they are more likely to be better behaved and taxis have been known to be used for criminal activities.

"The footage recorded will provide invaluable evidence to enable us to take robust action against those who choose to abuse drivers and passengers or break the law.

“I recognise the implementation of CCTV will be an additional cost for licensees, but we feel the safety of drivers and the public are paramount.”

The cost of installation can be claimed as a business expense through HMRC and the council is are investigating match funding to help offset the expense.

Once the new policy is in place, new licenses would only be granted to drivers with the correct equipment already in place.

For more details of the policy, visit https://bit.ly/2Rir4MM.