CABS in the Gravesend and Northfleet area may be fitted with CCTV cameras in an attempt to improve safety following the death of a local taxi driver in May.

Gravesham Borough Council, North Kent Police and the United Taxi Group held a meeting on Monday to discuss what progress has made since Gian Chand Bajar, 70, of Darnley Road, Gravesend, was assaulted and run over.

Gravesham council leader Cllr Mike Snelling said: “We shall be exploring obtaining European money, through the Urban Fund, to help us pay for improvements and will be putting together a bid to try to qualify for that money."

Ch Supt Gary Beautridge, Area Commander of North Kent Police, said: “We took the concerns of the industry about safety seriously and have put in place a number of measures to reassure both drivers and passengers.

"These include officers visiting taxi ranks and also stopping taxis with passengers to make sure they are safe and well.

"One of the things we have considered is putting CCTV in taxis. I believe this would regulate the behaviour of those who use taxis and make them think twice before committing a crime."

Rick Davis, spokesman for the UTG, said: “They are listening to our concerns and are obviously prepared to act upon them too. We have confidence now that there will be real progress. There have been a number of good meetings with very, very positive feedback.”

* Luke Aujila, 20, of Dorchester Road, Gravesend, has been charged with murdering Mr Bajar.