DRIVERS of black cabs in a Kent town are demanding that CCTV cameras are installed inside their taxis to curb violent attacks from passengers.

Maidstone’s 100 Hackney carriage drivers have approached the council and the police to see whether the idea is feasible.

Cabbies who have suffered violence and verbal abuse say the idea could not be more welcome.

Jim Smith, a Maidstone driver for 10 years, said: “It’s about time. I had a log thrown through my passenger window by a fare and I had to have 10 stitches in my head. The person was never caught but CCTV would have shown who was in the back of the car.”

Norman Tibos said he worked most weekends in fear and had heard of drivers being badly beaten up.

“Every night I come out I worry. If you work the clubs on a Friday or Saturday night and you finish without being threatened, attacked, or someone throwing up in your car, you’ve had a good night. That’s how all us cabbies feel. I’d love a camera,” he said.

Fellow cabbie, Lee Bearman, added: “Over the years I have had people running away without paying, threats and abuse. Cameras would solve these problems.”

The idea, which has already been tested in Manchester, would have to be agreed by the borough council’s licensing committee, responsible for regulating Maidstone’s 39 Hackney cabs. The cameras would cost £700 each to install.

Supt Mark Salisbury, of Maidstone and Malling Police, said his officers backed the idea. “Any tool which could help identify and also deter potential offenders is very useful,” he added.