Taxis win safety camera funding

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

Taxi drivers in a Kent town have won European funding to fit CCTV cameras in their cabs following the death of a driver who was assaulted and run over.

A £59,000 grant from the Urban Thames Gateway is to be match-funded by Gravesham Borough Council, the police and the drivers.

More than 100 taxi and private hire operators have signed up to get CCTV.

Gian Chand Bajar, 71, was fatally injured while he was working on 23 May. A man aged 20 is charged with murder.

I had three guys in the car a couple of weeks ago who became very, very abusive Rick Davis, taxi driver

His family have welcomed the news that taxis in Gravesend will now be able to have cameras fitted in their vehicles.

Verinder Bhoombla said the loss of his father-in-law was still being deeply felt.

"If there's a family gathering... there's a vacuum. You think he's around the corner... but he's not there."

Taxi driver Rick Davis fitted his own camera into his cab some time ago, and said it had already made a difference.

'Safer borough'

"I had three guys in the car a couple of weeks ago who became very, very abusive.

"When they realised they were on camera they were out of the car quicker than grease lightning," he said.

Drivers from Gravesham and Dartford have been invited to an open day at Brands Hatch next week to view the CCTV cameras and other safety equipment.

Leader of the council Mike Snelling said: "Community safety is the council's number one priority and we are pledged to make the borough safer. Cameras in taxis can not only give drivers more security but also their passengers."