A MEASURE put in place to protect Gravesham’s cabbies could become compulsory as part of a new ground breaking initiative.

Following the murder of taxi driver Gian Chand Bajar in May last year, local cabbies won £118,000 in EU funding to install CCTV cameras in their vehicles.

But possible changes to the licensing of cabs and private hire vehicles which operate in the borough could mean Gravesham Borough Council will be the first local authority to introduce compulsory installation of CCTV in its taxis - if the initiative is given the green light.

Cabinet member for community safety cllr John Cubit said: “The introduction of CCTV in taxi across the borough will improve both public and driver safety immensely.”

Currently drivers who sign up for CCTV are required to pay around £100 towards the £500 security devices.

But when EU funding runs out drivers will have to foot the majority or whole of the bill.

As part of the new proposal cabbies will be able to place adverts on their vehicles for the first time which will help raise funds towards the equipment.

United Taxi Group spokesman Rick Davies, who is due to have a camera fitted in his car today , said: “I think most of the taxi drivers are welcoming the proposals. Everybody still thinks that safety is paramount.”

The introduction of a new penalty points system, revised driver application procedures, enhanced testing and a system to ensure drivers from outside the UK can legally work are also included in the proposal.

Cllr Cubit added: “The enhanced testing procedures will ensure all drivers have first class knowledge of the area which will mean passengers can be sure they will get to their destination through the best possible route.”

The final decision to expected to be made in Cabinet in January 2009 following a consultation period and could come into force next February.