EVERY taxi will need to have CCTV fitted by the start of next year in a bid to protect drivers from bogus claims.

The equipment will also be used to identity criminals who try to rob cabbies after a series of incidents in the last year.

Costs will have to be footed by the drivers or their firms and will have to be Colchester Council-approved.

Any cars which register after April 1 must already have the equipment fitted while existing drivers will be given until the new year to get on board.

Mike Lilley, Colchester councillor responsible for licensing, said: “We believe it is a bit like fitting our zone wardens with body cameras.

“If someone is going to make a complaint against the driver, they will know CCTV is either going to prove it or completely disprove it.”

He added: “We’ve got to remember, a great number of taxi journeys take place in the early hours of the morning, perhaps after people have had a lot of drink.

“This sort of thing will show if passengers are being aggressive to drivers or if - which is very rare - a driver is doing something they shouldn’t be.”

The move has been broadly welcomed by taxi firms across the town, although concerns over how much installation will cost have been raised.

Donna Lawson, from Hawaii Five-O cab company, said: “I think all the companies agree with that because it’ll be there to keep our customers and drivers safe.”

The firm has about 30 company-owned cars.

The accounts manager added: “What I would say is, it looks like we wouldn’t be allowed to just get someone in ourselves - it has to be council approved.

“Again, I’m not saying that’s a bad thing but if the cost ends up being £1,000 per car or something like that, then we’re looking at a £30,000 outlay, so there is something to think about.”

Mr Lilley added: “I can understand some of the complaints. I know it will be something they have to pay for but it’ll be there to protect them.

“For me, the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.”