At the Southampton City Council Taxi Licensing Committee meeting held on Thursday 19th September 2013, it was decided that it would now be mandatory for CCTV camera's to be installed in all taxis and private hire car's. All taxi cabs and hire cars are to be fitted with permanent visual recording and audio recording facilities, which will be activated by the driver. 

 

At the moment there are three camera manufacturers who meet the Southampton City Council's (SCC) condition.  They are Verifeye, Pageantry and Brigade and these agents can be contacted by contacting the Licensing Department.

 

The camera specification details are on the SCC's website, at www.southampton.gov.uk/taxinotices - any other systems must meet the council's criteria for approval in your vehicles. You can read more information on the PDF provided by the SCC here.

 

Southampton City Council state that "If you are considering applying for a new vehicle licence or replacing your existing vehicle, an approved taxi camera will be required in the new vehicle. Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs has confirmed that vehicle proprietors may claim back the net cost of camera installations against tax over one year".