Minister open to mandatory CCTV in taxis to tackle grooming gangs
Summary
The UK's Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood, is considering making CCTV mandatory in taxis to prevent grooming gangs from using them. This move comes after a report highlighted how offenders used taxis across England and suggested stricter rules. Taxi licensing inconsistencies allow drivers to bypass strict local rules by obtaining licenses in areas with lower standards.Key Facts
- Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood suggested that CCTV in taxis could become part of new national guidelines.
- The suggestion follows a report on grooming gangs that used taxis to exploit children.
- Taxi drivers can currently obtain licenses from one council and operate elsewhere, avoiding stringent local standards.
- Rotherham is noted for implementing robust taxi licensing rules, including mandatory CCTV.
- The government plans to introduce new powers to set national minimum standards for taxi licensing.
- A BBC investigation found many taxis bought cheaper licenses from Wolverhampton but operated across the country.
- Concerns were raised about inconsistent taxi licensing leading to safety risks for children.
- The push for change aims to prevent the exploitation of legal loopholes in taxi licensing.
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