The Welsh Government is committed to modernising taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing in Wales, with the aim of improving safety and creating fairness in the sectors. It recognises the safety benefits CCTV systems have for drivers and customers but acknowledges there is variation in Taxis and PHV CCTV policies set by local authorities.
Currently, the use of CCTV systems in licensed vehicles throughout Wales is voluntary. But local authorities can opt to make CCTV mandatory through its licensing conditions.
To help achieve consistency across Wales, the Welsh Government has been working in collaboration with ACSS and others to develop a standardised approach to CCTV systems in taxis and private hire vehicles across Wales, as well as a CCTV policy template for local authorities to adopt.
Our role in the consultation process was to help break down and simplify the complexities surrounding CCTV technology. By offering our insights on system requirements, we aimed to ensure that any CCTV setup in taxis or PHV would meet strict compliance with ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) regulations while upholding national safety standards. This process, which we undertook alongside other industry experts, involved balancing technical requirements with practical considerations, resulting in a policy that Welsh councils can adapt to meet local needs.
The CCTV policy template is available on the Welsh Government's website. This policy acts as a guideline that councils across Wales are recommended to adopt if they choose to integrate CCTV into their taxi licensing conditions. Currently, the use of CCTV in licensed vehicles remains voluntary at the discretion of vehicle proprietors. However, individual councils can opt to make it mandatory as a licence condition. The template is designed to help standardise the approach, making it easier for councils to implement a CCTV policy that suits their specific requirements.
This template can be adapted in whole or in part, with opportunities for councils to personalise the document according to their local context. For those interested in viewing or utilising this policy, the Welsh Government has made it accessible here: Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles CCTV Policy Template.
Through our involvement, ACSS is proud to have contributed to the framework for safer, more reliable taxi and PHV services in Wales. We are committed to supporting the Welsh taxi trade with CCTV solutions that uphold the highest standards in passenger and driver safety, and we look forward to seeing how Welsh councils across the country may benefit from these guidelines in their own regions.
ACSS have designed systems according to the council specifications to meet the requirements for councils. Including 100% solid state design or a proven vibration and shock resistant system, short circuit and over voltage protection and more
