In April 2024, individual taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers in Herefordshire reached out to ACSS for a solution to meet mandatory requirements set by Herefordshire Council. The council's new regulations mandated that all licensed vehicles be equipped with internal cameras, audio capabilities, and secure data storage to ensure both safety and regulatory compliance.
The Challenge: Meeting Council's Mandatory Camera Requirements
Herefordshire Council introduced new mandatory camera requirements for taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers to improve safety and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. Individual drivers faced the following challenges:
Non-Compliant Solutions: Many of the existing camera systems in use were not compliant with the council’s updated regulations, particularly in terms of data protection (GDPR and ICO compliance). These systems failed to meet the council's required standards for video and audio recording, secure data storage, and encryption.
Expensive and Ineffective Options: Some drivers had installed expensive systems that didn’t meet the council's requirements which not only failed to comply but also resulted in higher installation and maintenance costs.
Non-Professional Installation: Many systems were installed by non-professionals, leading to poor installation quality. Common issues included loose wires, which created potential safety hazards for both drivers and passengers.
The Solution: ACSS’s Comprehensive Camera System for Compliance and Safety
ACSS designed a camera system that fully addressed Herefordshire Council's mandatory requirements:
- Internal Camera: ACSS installed internal cameras to monitor both driver behaviour and passenger interactions, improving overall safety in line with council requirements.
- Panic Audio Button: Each vehicle was fitted with a panic button that, when pressed, activated real-time audio recording. This ensured that any incidents were fully documented, offering increased protection for both drivers and passengers.
- 5” Monitor: A 5” monitor was provided to give drivers clear, real-time visuals, enhancing situational awareness while driving.
- MDVR with AES256 Encryption: The camera systems included a Mobile Digital Video Recorder (MDVR) with AES256 encryption, ensuring that all video and audio data were securely stored. This encryption level meets the highest standards in the industry and ensures full compliance with GDPR and ICO regulations. Only authorised individuals, such as the council or licensing officers, had access to the footage.
This solution provided individual drivers with a high-quality, secure camera system that met all the mandatory requirements set by Herefordshire Council, ensuring their vehicles were compliant with safety and data protection laws.
Implementation: Professional and Efficient Installation
Once the council’s requirements were clarified, ACSS worked closely with third-party installers to ensure the smooth installation of the camera systems in licensed taxi and PHV vehicles. By August 2024, ACSS had successfully installed over 125 systems across the Herefordshire fleet.
Key aspects of the implementation included:
- Streamlined Installation: The installation process was efficient and professional, with all systems meeting the council’s stringent requirements. This ensured minimal disruption to drivers’ schedules.
- Removal of Substandard Systems: Many vehicles had previously installed systems that did not meet the council's mandatory requirements. ACSS removed these outdated solutions and replaced them with a comprehensive system that met both safety and regulatory standards.
- Communication with Drivers: ACSS maintained open communication with drivers throughout the process, ensuring they were aware of the council’s requirements and any adjustments to the installation process.
Results: Safer, Compliant, and Reliable Operations
The installation of ACSS’s camera systems led to several positive outcomes for the drivers and the overall fleet:
- Enhanced Safety: The internal cameras and panic audio buttons significantly increased safety for both drivers and passengers, in line with the new regulations.
- Full Regulatory Compliance: The camera systems, featuring AES256 encryption and secure data storage, ensured compliance with GDPR and ICO regulations, addressing the council’s data protection requirements.
- Increased Confidence in the System: With over 125 systems installed, the local taxi trade regained confidence in the camera technology, knowing it met the council’s mandatory requirements and provided real protection for both passengers and drivers.
Quote from a Local Taxi Driver:
“ACSS’s camera system helped me meet the council’s new mandatory requirements, but it also gave me the peace of mind that I’m fully protected on the road. The system is easy to use, and the installation was quick and hassle-free.”
