PROTECTION from verbal abuse, assaults and malicious complaints will be improved for taxi drivers following CCTV vehicle installation.

Etech Installations is carrying out the project after being selected by the council in a move tipped to deter criminal activity and enhance public safety.

The implementation date of the cameras is March 1.

Installation will cost in the region of £400-£450 but Ian O'Connor, managing director of Etech, which is based on Thelwall Lane, insists it will have a positive impact.

"It will keep everyone safer – if you start behaving stupidly you will be on camera and you only have yourself to blame," said the 47-year-old.

"We are also putting signage into the car so when people get in they will have no doubt they are on CCTV.

"The driver is covered but it works for the passenger too – this is a breakthrough and I am very confident of the project.

"I'm very happy with the way that the project has been handled by the licensing department.

"It may have taken some time and had some delays but with something as important as driver and public safety, everything has to be correct before the project can commence."

Images logged through the system will be encrypted within the recorder, which is a requirement for evidence purposes in court.

The system powers up when the ignition is turned on – no driver intervention is required and drivers are unable to access it to change passwords or usernames.

The council also believes drivers will reap the rewards despite the financial aspect.

A spokesman said: "Driver and passenger safety and security are high priorities for the council.

"We aim to protect drivers from the likelihood of being subject to verbal abuse, serious assault, malicious complaints, or hate crime attacks.

"We aim to improve public safety and confidence in the taxi and private hire service.

"CCTV will improve the likely detection of crime and to increase the likelihood of achieving justice for those who are a victim of crime."

After this, as annual or six-month vehicle tests 'become due' they must have appropriate CCTV equipment installed.

Also, applications for new licences or the renewal of licences will only be granted if drivers comply with all relevant conditions, including the installation and maintenance of a camera.

Exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Self-employed taxi drivers should contact HMRC on 0843 504 7177 or visit hmrc.gov.uk to find out how to offset installation costs against their tax claim.