Go back
Back to Public notices

Consultation regarding CCTV in private hire vehicles with home to school contracts 2025

Details

Statement of taxi and private hire policy consultation in relation to CCTV in private hire vehicles that hold home to school contracts 2025

The Department for Transport (DfT) recommends that all licensing authorities make publicly available a cohesive policy document that brings together all their procedures on taxi and private hire vehicle licensing. This includes policies on convictions, a ‘fit and proper’ person or ‘suitability’ test, conditions of licence and vehicle specifications and standards.

The Council has updated its Statement of Taxi and Private Hire policy to include the draft  requirements in relation to Private Hire Vehicles that have been gifted CCTV and hold a Home to School Contract with the local authority. We now seek your views in respect of this.

This consultation will run for 6 weeks commencing on 5 September 2025 and finishing at 12pm (midnight) on 17 October 2025.

The focus of the CCTV requirement is to promote the safety of drivers and members of the public.

 

How to submit your response

You can submit your responses via:

  • Email: licensing@barnsley.gov.uk
    (Subject Title: CCTV Taxi Licensing Policy 2025)
  • Post: Licensing, Regulatory Services, PO Box 634, Barnsley, S70 9GG

 

Proposed changes

In line with the original pilot scheme, the Council’s Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy will be amended to update the Council’s position in relation to CCTV in licensed vehicles as follows:

CCTV

  • All hackney carriage and private hire vehicle owners that have been gifted CCTV equipment by Barnsley MBC must have the said CCTV system installed by the provider specified by the Council following the tender exercise*. The CCTV system must be in use whenever the vehicle is in use as a licensed vehicle for the purpose of hire and reward. *The approved supplier will be confirmed prior to the implementation of this policy and any change to the hackney carriage and private hire vehicle conditions.
  • Whilst the Council will provide the CCTV system, the ownership will transfer on installation to and will at all times remain the property of the licensed proprietor/owner of the hackney carriage or private vehicle who will at all times be liable for its use in their vehicle(s). The licensed proprietor/owner of the hackney carriage or private hire vehicle will be responsible for the maintenance and security of the CCTV system. The Council will have no liability for the goods or services provided. The Council will be data controller for the purpose of data protection and therefore own the footage.
  • The installation of security measures such as a bulkhead or screen between driver and passengers, as a means of providing some protection for drivers, is acceptable. Where a screen has been fitted the CCTV camera must be fitted to ensure a clear recording. The driver and proprietor of the hackney carriage vehicle or private hire vehicle once gifted the CCTV, shall ensure that the system is properly maintained and serviced to ensure clear images are recorded. Any deliberate abuse or deliberate attempt to interfere with the legitimate use of the CCTV system will be given due weight and regard when determining whether the driver/proprietor is a fit and proper person to continue holding a licence.
  • Warning signage must be clearly and prominently displayed inside the vehicle advising passengers that a CCTV system is in operation in the vehicle. It will be the hackney carriage and private hire driver/proprietors’ responsibility to comply with all aspects of the law regarding such surveillance equipment. There is information available on the ICO’s website - CCTV and video surveillance | ICO and the CCTV code of practice - Update to Surveillance Camera Code of Practice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

The private hire vehicle conditions of licence will be amended to include the following:

CCTV

  • In relation to CCTV systems, vehicle proprietors who have been gifted CCTV equipment from Barnsley MBC must have CCTV equipment installed to the specification set by Barnsley MBC and ensure that it is operated in accordance with the Licensing Authority’s Policy and all licence conditions.
  • The vehicle must display a minimum of 3 warning signs clearly and prominently displayed inside the vehicle advising passengers that a CCTV system is in operation in the vehicle. The notices shall be positioned in a prominent (though not obstructive) position where they can be easily read by persons inside of the vehicle. The proprietor shall ensure that the notices are maintained in a clean and legible condition.
  • The proprietor shall ensure that the CCTV system is properly and regularly maintained and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Written records of all maintenance and servicing shall be made and retained by the proprietor for a minimum of 24 months. Such written records shall be made available on demand by an authorised officer of the Licensing Authority.
  • The vehicle proprietor shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that any driver of the vehicle is made aware of every condition in relation to the installed CCTV system.

 

The dual driver conditions of licence will be amended to include the following:-

CCTV

  • All licensed drivers using a Hackney Carriage Vehicle or Private Hire Vehicle which is fitted with CCTV gifted by Barnsley MBC must ensure at the start of their shift that the system is turned on and in working order and must remain on at all times when working for hire or reward. Any issues with the system must be reported to the vehicle proprietor immediately.