Why private hire drivers need a dash cam in the UK

Dash cams offer many advantages for private hire drivers, from providing evidence in motor vehicle accidents to deterring criminal activity – and even saving money on your minicab insurance policies.

To avoid confusion, dash cams go by several names:

• Dashboard cameras
• Dash cams
• Video point of impact system (VPIS)

These monitoring systems are more than just recording devices; they’re an invaluable tool for private hire drivers. Let’s take a closer look at why you should consider investing in one:

1. Provides evidence

Dash cams capture clear and objective video footage, providing unbiased evidence when collisions occur.

Accidents happen in the blink of an eye and determining the responsible party/parties can be challenging, especially when there are three sides to a story.

Dash cams refer to front and rear-facing cameras used to record the road ahead, and inside and behind your private hire vehicle (PHV). Depending on which dash cam you have installed, some only record while the vehicle’s engine is running; others continue recording when the car is off.

Either way, dash cam footage is essential when making an insurance claim. It helps clear your name if you’ve been wrongly accused in an accident, need to defend your business reputation, or have been issued a driving ticket unfairly. This can save you time, money and stress, and prevent your taxi licence from being revoked or cancelled.

2. Surveillance

Certain dash cam models double up as CCTV systems, recording while in ‘parking mode’ (i.e. when the engine is off). This can be particularly helpful if someone tries to break into your PHV or if another car causes accidental damage when you’re not around.

The presence of a visible dash cam makes criminals think twice about attempting theft, burglary or vandalism. Should a crime occur, the recorded evidence can be handed to the local authorities as part of a criminal investigation.

If that isn’t enough, dash cams can also record video footage of reckless drivers who are either distracted or inexperienced behind the wheel. This evidence can be handed to the local authorities, ensuring safer roads.

3. Audio recording

While video surveillance is generally the primary function of these cameras, some dash cams record audio evidence via a built-in microphone. This can provide additional protection and evidence in various scenarios – for both drivers and passengers.

Audio recordings can be helpful for private hire drivers because they:

• Capture conversations with passengers, providing evidence in disputes
• Document verbal abuse/harassment or threats from passengers
• Support claims of damage caused by passengers
• Provide additional evidence to backup video footage

Dash cams are invaluable when you need to protect yourself against anyone trying to taint your business’ reputation.

On the flip side, should cab drivers harass or verbally abuse their passengers, the video and audio recordings can be used against them in court.

4. Cheaper private hire insurance

All UK motorists are legally required to have the appropriate car insurance to drive on the road – licensed taxis and private hire vehicles included. While the bare minimum is third-party-only (TPO) cover – which protects cabbies from third-party claims – an optional telematics insurance policy could significantly reduce your premiums.

Dash cams work hand-in-hand with telematics devices – black boxes that monitor and track driver behaviour and habits – and are often grouped under the same insurance policy.

While dash cams don’t guarantee lower rates, they equip insurance providers with clear evidence when processing claims. This is particularly helpful when an accident isn’t your fault, as frequent claims can drive up your premiums and insurance providers are often hesitant to cover damages when there is a lack of evidence.

Here’s how private hire taxi operators can remain dash cam compliant in the UK:

Installation

• Dash cams cannot obstruct the driver’s view. Incorrectly positioned cameras are a serious offence, leading to penalties and fines.
• The Highway Code specifies that nothing should intrude more than 40 mm into the ‘wipers area’ of the windscreen.
• Internal and external cameras must comply with The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations and MOT guidelines.

Inform passengers

• Notify passengers that dash cams (and audio recordings) are used in your taxi and explain why they are installed. It’s recommended to inform passengers of this via your booking platform and/or website.
• Clear signage, with the name and contact details of the data controller, must be fitted at every vehicle access point, informing passengers that CCTV is in operation.

Data protection

• Dash cam footage cannot be kept for longer than 28 days, excluding certain conditions such as insurers needing the recordings or if it’s part of a criminal investigation.
• Dash cams should be permanent fixtures as removable cameras pose a higher risk of being lost or stolen. Taxi drivers must take extra care to prevent theft, as losing CCTV footage is a serious breach of data protection.
• Taxi drivers must report any suspected data breaches to the ICO within 72 hours, including notifying passengers (if possible) whose personal information may have been compromised.
• Drivers and passengers have the legal right to make a subject access request (SAR) to obtain their personal data. Should one of your passengers request a SAR, you must respond within one month.