CCTV is set to be introduced in all taxis within a Hampshire borough after a driver was convicted of sexually assault a passenger in Southampton.
Gsoport Borough Council has pledged to make CCTV in taxis and private hire vehicles mandatory in the wake of Hardeep Landa's imprisonment.
The Southampton cab driver, 30, was jailed for six years and eight months in May after sexually assaulting a 21-year-old passenger in his car at St Mary's Road car park.
Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) later wrote a letter to the secretary of state for transport to change national licensing guidance.
READ MORE: Southampton cab driver jailed for sexual assault in car park
Gosport council's Regulartory Board agreed the new CCTV rules for all new taxis in the borough and is due to be implmented by April 1, 2025.
Deputy Leader, Cllr Robert Hylands, said: "I'm very proud that Gosport is leading the way among smaller councils in the county to help make taxis safer."
The PCC added: “This move makes Gosport the first borough council in the county to show its commitment to keeping its residents safe.
“The introduction of regular background criminal checks and drug testing for new applicants and randomly for licensed drivers is also welcome.
“My ambition as Commissioner is to encourage all councils follow suit. At a national level, I will continue to lobby the government to make sure passengers and drivers alike are afforded the maximum protection."
The council also agreed to introduce six-monthly DBS checks for drivers, and to start drug testing for new applicants and random drug testing for licensed drivers.
Southampton City Councils licensing requirements for Hackneys and private hire already require CCTV to be fitted.
Speaking after Landa's sentencing, Phil Bates, Licensing Manager at Southampton City Council, said: “The council undertake robust checks on all drivers licensed by them, including an enhanced police check every six months.
“This case highlights the excellent working relationship between the police and council officers by facilitating the immediate revocation of the licence and the sharing of evidence, it also appears to be a prime example of the benefits of mandating the fitting of permanently recording taxi cameras."
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