C&D Taxis, which operates across Tyne and Wear, implemented the technology from Sunderland-based Hadrian Technology after seeing its insurance premium double in the last three years.

The cameras record images both inside and outside the vehicle and can help protect against staged accidents and false whiplash claims, driving offences and traffic allegations.

Chris Waterstreet, owner of C&D Taxis, said: ‘CCTV will provide me with evidence of what happens in my taxis. After the initial installation costs, I will re-coup the cost in just one or two years. I won’t get bogged down with lengthy and expensive investigations when someone makes a claim and hopefully my insurance premium will stop rising each year. At the moment when someone makes a claim, we have no evidence to find out the truth and my insurance company always has to pay out. One insurance company is knocking £500 off taxi insurance premiums if you have CCTV installed. My colleagues and customers will feel safer when I have these cameras in. For me, I will be saving money and hassle every day. I would certainly recommend it to other taxi drivers out there.’

Hadrian Technology added that local councils around the UK are discussing legislation that will require all licensed vehicles to install CCTV, ensuring the safety of passengers.

Gary Trotter, general manager, said: ‘Unfortunately serious offences like assault and sexual abuse, as well as accident claims relating to taxis come up again and again. A system like ours acts as a deterrent and a way of providing hard evidence when allegations are made against the passenger or driver. C&D Taxis will now have the evidence they need to avoid significant and avoidable losses. I hope we can help other businesses to tackle similar problems.’