GMB union calls for CCTV in all minicabs

Story link: GMB union calls for CCTV in all minicabs by Jan Harris

The GMB union’s Professional Drivers Branch is planning to lobby the Department of Transport to support the installation of CCTV in all minicabs.

The GMB wants to alert the public to the increasing number of attacks on minicab drivers, through events on Workers Memorial Day (28th April 2008).

There were 45 serious attacks on licensed minicab drivers by passengers between April and December 2007, according to the GMB’s figures. In nine of these attacks the drivers lost their lives.

CCTV has recently been introduced in minicabs in Sheffield, and research shows that it has reduced attacks on drivers by 72%.

The GMB wants public authorities to introduce tax incentives to enable CCTV and shields between the driver and passengers, to be installed in all licensed minicabs.

It also wants minicab firms to train drivers to identify risky situations in advance, and to deal with attacks if they do occur.