Dudley taxi drivers hopeful CCTV will be coming to cabs
Taxi drivers say they have been given an indication they will be able to fit CCTV in their cars - a move they insist is desperately needed to put a stop to attacks in Dudley.
Council bosses were asked to consider allowing drivers to put cameras in Hackney carriages and private vehicles due to concerns over their safety.
Dudley Taxi Association bosses said discussions with council officers had been positive and expect to get the green light. A formal decision would have to be made by the council's taxis committee.
Association chairman Shaz Saleem said there had been nine attacks on drivers in Dudley already this year and believes others will be in danger without cameras, which they hope will deter criminals from targeting drivers.
He said taxis were seen as 'money on wheels' and it was vital drivers were given better protection.
Mr Saleem said: "We are pleased with talks which have been going on. It shows they are supporting us.
"It is not just drivers but our customers as well. We need that security for everyone. It is a must and will help the police.
"It will go a long way to stopping serious attacks. It will make people think.
"Last year there was one incident, this year there have been nine.
"The drivers are out there trying to earn a living for their families. Many of them have got young kids."
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 was the victim of 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.
The latest attack came earlier this month when Ishfaq Hussain, aged 38, was left with serious facial injuries after he was assaulted while picking up a fare.
Councillor Alan Hopwood, chairman of the council's taxi committee, said a decision cameras in cars was still being considered.