Taxis to have surveillance cameras

Plans are afoot to install surveillance cameras in Dubai cabs after similar moves in major cities around the world have shown to reduce abuses by and on drivers, a top transport official confirmed.

Abdul Aziz Malek, chief executive of Dubai Taxi, however, said that the plan won’t be implemented until consultations are done and doubts on privacy issues are cleared. "It’s true there are plans to install video cameras across our fleet. However, we need to wait for the results of our study and survey first," he said.

The public will also be consulted. Initial results, however, show that a section of the public has "some reservations" about the plan. "Taxis are not the same as buses. Most buses have surveillance cameras on board for safety and security purposes. Video cameras in taxis face some privacy issues."

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But in an online poll, which was taken during December, respondents gave an overwhelming "yes" to the idea of installing surveillance camera in every cab in Dubai. Of the 2,082 respondents, an overwhelming majority – 79 per cent or 1,662 respondents – agreed to the idea of installing surveillance cameras in cabs. Only 18 per cent disagreed.

Malek argued that since Dubai has good safety and security records, there may be no need for surveillance cameras in taxis.

By the end of 2008, all taxi units plying the city’s roads will become part of the taxi control and dispatch system.

In focus

Taxis in many cities around the world – Houston and San Antonio in the US; Calgary in Canada and most cities in Australia – are fitted with security cameras. One study, citing "anecdotal" evidence, said security cameras are responsible for reducing assaults by and on the driver up to 60 per cent.