Black County drivers in plea for CCTV in taxis

Drivers in Dudley are expected to find out next month if they will be allowed to put cameras in Hackney Carriage and private hire vehicles.

The head of Dudley's taxi association said the move is necessary if drivers are to feel safe doing their jobs and has pleaded with councillors to give the move the green light.

Dudley Private Hire and Taxi Association has been calling for CCTV for more than a year.

Having cameras would be optional for drivers, who would have to pay for them out of their own pocket.

But after several attacks on drivers in recent months, many believe the change is needed.

Association chairman Shaz Saleem said: "This is to protect drivers.

"At the moment, with these attacks, it would make drivers feel a lot more secure.

"Taxi drivers are easy targets. They are like banks on wheels and need a lot more protection."

Mr Saleem declared 'enough was enough' after two attacks on taxi drivers earlier this year.

A taxi driver was knifed by a passenger at the BP Petrol Station in Pedmore Road, Lye, in March.

That came just weeks after driver Sheakh Arbaz suffered a horrific assault in Dudley. His two passengers punched him repeatedly as he sat in the driver’s seat waiting to be paid his fare, taking his earnings and car keys.

And last year, two drivers were the victim of terrifying incidents in Halesowen when a passenger held a syringe to their necks he claimed was 'infected with aids'.

Taxi drivers have been victims of various attacks more than 3,000 times in the West Midlands over the last decade.

And Mr Saleem said drivers need to feel safe.

He added: "The man who attacked the driver (in Lye) was caught on CCTV at a petrol station.

"If there was CCTV in the car it could have been taken to the police and dealt with a lot quicker. We are hoping this will be approved by councillors."

The issue is due to be discussed at a meeting of Dudley Council's taxis committee in May.