Strengthening taxi safety through joint enforcement and new CCTV pilot scheme

We’re continuing our work to improve safety and standards across Barnsley’s taxi and private hire sector, with a recent taxi enforcement operation and the installation of our CCTV pilot scheme in licensed vehicles. 

Earlier this month, we took part in a multi-agency check around driver and vehicle compliance in Barnsley. The operation was carried out in conjunction with South Yorkshire Police, Cllr Steve Green as Chair of Licensing, Cllr Andy Wray, as well as our Enforcement Officers and teams from Wolverhampton, Kirklees, Sheffield and Leeds. 

The operation focused on addressing concerns around drivers and vehicles licensed by other local authorities, and the varying compliance standards that can exist across different areas. With a notable number of “out of town” drivers operating in Barnsley, checks were carried out to make sure that all vehicles working in the borough meet the high standards expected. 

During the operation, 55 vehicles and drivers were stopped and checked, including 10 licensed by Barnsley. Eight drivers received compliance notices. 

In a further step to enhance safety, we’ve now completed the installation phase of our pilot scheme to introduce CCTV into Hackey Carriage vehicles. The project was approved by Cabinet in April 2024 following funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Transport Innovation Fund. 

Now the installation phase is complete, we also have enough funding left to extend this offer to private hire vehicles that carry out home-to-school transport on behalf of the council.  

As part of the pilot, we’ll be updating the Taxi and Private Hire Policy and licence conditions so they reflect our position on making CCTV a required feature in the relevant vehicles. 

The pilot scheme is an important step in strengthening safety and confidence for everyone using licensed vehicles in Barnsley. Providing CCTV not only reassures passengers but also gives drivers increased protection when working, and helps to uphold high standards across the sector. 

Cllr Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “Keeping people safe is at the heart of what we do, and these two pieces of work show our ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards across Barnsley’s taxi and private hire sector. By strengthening our policies and continuing to work closely with our partners, we’re making sure Barnsley remains a safe place for both passengers and drivers of licensed vehicles.”