Taxis getting CCTV after murder

Gian Chand Bajar died after being attacked in Gravesend

Colleagues of a Kent taxi driver who was run over and killed by his own cab are having safety cameras installed in their taxis.

The death of Gian Chand Bajar, 71, in Gravesend in May 2007 led to drivers lobbying the police and council to help fund better security measures.

Luke Aujila, 21, of Gravesend, was found guilty of his murder a year later and jailed for life.

About 160 of the town's taxis are being fitted with the in-car security.

Mr Bajar, a father-of-five, was murdered after an argument over a fare.

'Good behaviour'

Rick Davis, spokesman for taxi drivers in Gravesend, said trials of the cameras had already proven to be a deterrent.

"When people realise they're on camera they act a whole lot differently.

"There's been a 100% increase in good behaviour," he said.

The process to fit all the cameras begins on Thursday and is due to be completed by the end of October.

The total cost of each unit is about £700 - each driver has to pay £97, with the rest coming from funds supplied by the Urban Thames Gateway, Gravesham Borough Council and the police.