Death prompts bid for cab cameras

Police have pledged to stop taxis on a regular basis

A bid for European funding to fit CCTV cameras in taxis in a Kent town is to be made following the death of a driver who was assaulted and run over.

Gravesham Borough Council and Kent Police met cab drivers in Gravesend on Monday to discuss taxi safety.

"If taxis were equipped with CCTV, people using them would think twice about committing a crime," said Det Supt Gary Beautridge.

A 20-year-old man has been charged with murdering Gian Chand Bajar.

Mr Bajar, 71, died in hospital after being found injured while he was working on 23 May.

Police also promised the drivers they would put in place measures including visits by officers to taxi ranks.

They also pledged to stop taxis on a regular basis to ask drivers and passengers if they are safe and well.

Gian Chand Bajar was found injured in St Benedict's Avenue

"We took the concerns of the industry about safety seriously," said Mr Beautridge.

"However, I would reiterate that the number of crimes reported by the taxi industry is very small... and taxi drivers should go about their work with confidence."

Leader of the council, Mike Snelling, said it would try to obtain European funding through the Urban Fund for CCTV cameras.

This would pay for half the cost, but taxi driver Rick Davis, spokesman for the United Taxi Group, said drivers would be prepared to make up the difference.

"Any funding that can come our way would be excellent," he said.

"And the police have pledged a more upbeat presence - if the word gets around it would be a great help to us."