TAXI passengers could come under the gaze of CCTV cameras in a bid to boost driver safety.

Licensing bosses have approved the installation of surveillance cameras in principle, following requests from the public and private hire trade to allow better security in vehicles.

The move has been welcomed by the Bury-based National Private Hire Association.

Councillors say that any recording system which officers approve must conform to strict guidelines.

Images would have to be kept in an enclosed and encrypted system, and could only be inspected by the police or the council. They could only be kept for the lifetime of the equipment or for use as evidence.

Audio recording would not be permitted except with the express permission of the licensing authority. Cars which had CCTV installed would have to display a sign informing passengers.

Officers say that recording equipment could safeguard passengers as well as drivers. Images could also provide evidence in case of disputes or a road traffic accident.

Endorsing the plan, National Private Hire Association general secretary Mr Bryan Roland said: "The important thing is that troublemakers know if they do something daft, they'll be recorded."

He said such a CCTV system could cost between £350 and £550 to fit and that owners or drivers would also have to pay £35 to register under the Data Protection Act.

"It is not horrendously expensive," stressed Mr Roland. "Motor dealers who do a lot of work with the trade could be persuaded to include a camera within their package.

"The effect of adding, say, between £400 and £500 over three years on a hire purchase package would be just pennies."

Mr Roland said that nationally there had been 28 taxi-related murders during the last 10 years and there were regular occurrences of drivers being victims of violence or passengers running off without paying.

"Violence is one thing, but the deterrent is more important. I'd be delighted if everyone had these cameras but didn't have to use any evidence because no one did anything."

He continued: "We do welcome CCTV. The deterrent effect has got to be valuable.

"Nine times out of ten, girls and guys may have a bit too much to drink, but are not dangerous.

"But there is an element in every community who are dangerous and are known to police. They know that if they are caught on CCTV, then they will be identified in seconds."

Mr Stuart Andrews, former owner of Peel Cars in Bury, said: "I think CCTV would be something for the black cabs to have. I can't see such cameras being installed in a saloon car."

Although approved at last Thursday's (Oct 4) licensing panel, the matter will have to be agreed at a future meeting of the full council.