Forum: Who’ll pay for my CCTV?

Dec 31 2009 by Andrew Jackson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HAVE you ever fancied being on TV?

We all know we’re monitored by CCTV when we’re out of the house but how would you feel about CCTV in a taxi?

Most people say that only those with something to fear would be bothered, but what if you had to pay for it?

Kirklees Council has agreed plans to spend £28,000 fitting CCTV in some of the area’s Hackney cabs.

Dismayed_of_Dalton is quite clear about it: “Will Kirklees be making a retrospective payment to all the shops, offices and factories that have installed CCTV at their own cost to protect staff, goods and premises from crime?

“It is a good idea but why do we, the taxpayer, have to foot the bill?

“These are private places of business and as such they should pay for it themselves.”

Albert is someone who appears to be on the sharp end of Kirklees Council’s proposed cuts: “I work for Kirklees and in highways we have been told that 50 of us will lose our jobs by the end of March.

“I feel that the £28k due to be given to 100 taxis is just wrong. No-one is forcing the cabs to pick up and if they don’t like it get another job, although where they will get employment sitting in a car with the engine running all day and dripping oil on the road God only knows.”

Otis is in agreement: “This sounds like a stupid idea. It is the responsibility of the employers and owners of taxis to supply this equipment if they think it needed.

“It is not a sensible use of public money. The council should not be volunteering to shoulder the responsibilities of private enterprise. We will be bailing out the banks next.”

Markmyword49 wants to see action rather than words: “I think that like the House of Commons it’s time for a clear-out of the local councillors starting at the next election.

“Too many have gone ‘native’ taking the side of vested interests and the decisions of the paid officers as gospel rather than doing the job of scrutinising and, if deemed necessary, refusing to sign off on projects.”

Despondent has a cheeky idea about taking a spare CCTV camera up Castle Hill to see what goes bump in the night, but Otis thinks the camera issue could have set a precedent at Kirklees Council.

He added: “I would like to apply to KMC for a free sat nav in my car to guide me and Mrs O on our weekly shopping trip to Asda.”