The argument whether Taxis are Public or Private vehicles will
never end. I label these arguments, "Delay Tatics".
As to whether cameras should be installed in Taxis! My answer
is, All! Vehicles should come with video recorders installed, just
like their cash card IU system. Surveillance systems in vehicles
are more important than the IU cash card system for vehicle owners
and drivers as it provides clear proof and the real truth in the
event of an accident. But guess what is more important to them.
Cash IU as it makes cash. If car cameras can make cash, it will be
mandatory immediately. Argument about invasion of privacy etc... is
all crap. If pax rob taxi driver, is pax privacy important?
Car cameras should be installed in all Taxis as it protects both
the pax and drivers. In this case, it should be recorders which
record both inside and outside views. Privacy issues should be
shoved up their ass. If the bus did not have video recording in the
bus, how they know how the driver kena hammer.
There are approved cameras for Taxis but the taxi driver has to
pay for it. Video is only front view. If pax hammer taxi driver or
run without paying, it does not help taxi driver, but taxi
driver pays for the useless camera.
Videos taken by these approved cameras can only be downloaded
and viewed by the Taxi company. Reason given is to prevent Taxi
drivers from editing the footage. Most taxi drivers I know have
difficulty using a computer to send emails, leave alone downloading
and editing videos.
There are some taxi drivers who have taken the initiative to buy
and install their own cameras. In the event of an accident, whether
these videos can be used in court, is questionable. Worse if the
taxi driver is accused of illegal modification or invasion of
passenger privacy and charged further. Now if a private car owner
has such a camera and presents the video evidence in court, it is
accepted without question of whether he could have edited it. Why
the double standard?
My guess if aiyah! If taxi drive got accident, just hold his
deposit and send one letter to tell him to standby accident access
fee loh! Why bother look at video and argue with insurance company.
You know how long these cases can drag. If taxi companies really do
this, you think insurance company won't increase charges for that
particular taxi company?
Just my 2c worth.
