What are continuous recording dash cams?

Continuous recording dash cams are car installed CCTV systems that record video footage when the car is running. Some systems include a parking mode that continues recording when the car is parked and the engine is off.

Dash cams can include front and rear facing cameras that record activity ahead of, inside and behind the car. Some can also record audio.

Why install dash cams in taxis?
Statistically, dash cams have been shown to reduce accidents – a clear benefit to drivers, customers, taxi firms and other road users. Dash cams offer many other benefits…

For taxi firms/companies/taxi fleet
Every year, one in three taxi drivers makes an insurance claim. Insurance premiums represent a significant operating overhead. Dash cams improve driver behaviour and offer irrefutable evidence of liability. Small wonder that insurance companies offer premium reductions if dash cams are fitted.

With fraudulent claims, such as ‘crash for cash’ scams, video footage will support the driver’s defence. The increased normalisation and visibility of cameras might even help prevent fraudulent claims in the first place.

Dash cams help with driver training and monitoring compliance with company policy. For example, if drivers are prohibited from making personal calls whilst carrying passengers, dash cams will not only record non-compliance but actively deter it.

Systems with built in GPS can be used to evidence and deter drivers from speeding. Some dash cams include real-time vehicle position tracking, helping businesses to operate more efficiently.

For taxi drivers
Taxi Cameras can help a driver prove what happened in the event of an accident.

Dash cams can resolve payment disputes, and the visible presence of a dash cam has been shown to deter abuse and assaults on drivers. In the event that a passenger accuses the driver of abuse or misconduct, video footage can be invaluable in establishing the facts.

If a customer makes an allegation, some companies using self-employed drivers will side with the passenger by default and ban the driver. However, these companies will accept video evidence that could exonerate the driver and save their job.

For customers
Most passengers understand the safety and security benefits offered by CCTV. With cameras in operation, drivers are more likely to comply with company policies and drive more sensibly. The risk of a road accident will, therefore, be reduced.

Risks of Taxicams
Privacy - Placing appropriate signage throughout the cab to inform passengers that they're on camera can ease privacy concerns, while also helping to deter criminal activity by publicizing the presence of video surveillance.

Considerations for Taxicab Video Surveillance
When determining a taxicab service's need for video security, consider some of these factors:

How safe do the cab drivers currently feel?Has there been a history of violence in the areas covered by the taxi service?Have there been reported incidents of theft and violence in the cabs?Do the cabs travel into high crime neighborhoods?Do the cabbies often transport intoxicated passengers?

Installation
Use cameras equipped to handle low-light and dark conditions.Install internal cameras to achieve views of passengers as well as the driverPosition camera above the rear view mirror for comprehensive view of the cab's interiorConsider external camerasConsider integrating cameras with a duress alarm system

Taxi Cameras in UK

Many independent drivers and taxi fleets across the UK have installed CCTV cameras within the interior of public and private hire licensed taxis as a way to prevent crime and to protect drivers and their vulnerable passengers.

Evidence clearly shows that dash cams can help to reduce accidents and provide valuable evidence in the case of any collisions, offering a clear benefit to customers, road users, taxi firms and the drivers. Interiors cameras can also help in resolving payment disputes and prevent abuse and assaults on drivers.
 

Transport for London states that the purpose of the CCTV system shall be to provide a safer environment for the benefit of the taxi/PHV driver and passengers by:

Deterring and preventing the occurrence of crime
Reducing the fear of crime
Assisting the Police in investigating incidents of crime
Assisting insurance companies in investigating motor vehicle accidents

Similarly, taxi fleet managers are looking at installing cameras to lower the instances of private or public hire taxi insurance claims. Cameras improve driver behaviour and offer indisputable evidence of liability, which consequently may help to reduce taxi fleet insurance premiums. Dash cams assist with driver training and adherence to company policy such as not operating a mobile phone when driving or speeding in a restricted zone.

For taxi passengers, the presence of an evidential camera can offer an extra layer of security and protection. Drivers are more likely to obey company policies and drive more prudently. So, should you invest in installing a camera within your taxi fleet or as a public or private hire operator? All of the statistics say you should but before you do you need to bear in mind the four little letters of GDPR.