A TAXI driver who had a knife held to his throat by a passenger has had a CCTV camera installed in his cab.

Fourteen taxis in Blackburn and Darwen are to be fitted with the cameras in a bid to cut down on the 140 crimes involving both black cabs and private hire vehicles recorded last year.

The bulk of the funding for the £675 cameras is coming from the local community safety partnership, Lancashire police and the Government, but each trialist will pay £75 towards the cost.

Crimes police hope to crack down on range from abuse and criminal damage to assault, fare dodging and general drunken anti-social behaviour, with half the incidents involving violence.

They also included a number of false allegations against drivers involving failures to settle an agreed fare.

Taxi driver Sattar Ashar, 43, of Audley, Blackburn, volunteered to take part after having a knife held to his throat by a woman last year.

"The lady in the back opened the door and I thought she was just getting out. Suddenly she pulled my hair back, had a knife to my throat and said give me all your money' and the lady in the front cut the wire of my radio."

He managed to frighten off his attackers who fled empty handed. Police are still investigating.

Coun John Slater, executive member for citizens and consumer rights, said taxis with cameras will be clearly marked and the footage will only be used in relation to crimes.

One hackney cab driver and 13 private hire drivers have agreed to contribute towards the £8,000 pilot scheme.

After the trial period, which starts in the autumn, drivers will be able to hire cameras from Blackburn with Darwen Council.