SPY cameras are to be fitted in cabs across Hyndburn in a pilot scheme designed to safeguard both drivers and their passengers.

The scheme will see 10 CCTVs installed in taxis, with police and licensing officials able to view the recorded footage.

The aim is to eventually have cameras in all the 320 licensed private hire vehicles and 62 hackney carriages in the borough.

Lancashire Police and Hyndburn Council have jointly secured the funding for the six-month pilot scheme.

Volunteers to take part were found in February when the council wrote to all the borough’s taxi drivers explaining the scheme and its costs.

Twenty-six drivers expressed an interest and said they were willing to pay the £100 cost, and a random draw was then conducted to determine which vehicles would take part.

The scheme was given the green light at Monday’s meeting of the council’s Cabinet and a code of practice and contract agreement were also agreed.

Councillor Brian Roberts, deputy leader of the council, said: “I must stress that the footage will be monitored only by the police and licensing body.

“The driver or passenger will not be able to view the footage but I am hopeful it will safeguard both parties in the event of an incident.

“We aim to review the scheme in six months’ time to look at its progress and possible expansion.”

Milnshaw ward councillor Clare Pritchard said: “I would like to welcome this scheme, especially for the taxi drivers who have to put up with a lot of highly-volatile people in the back of their cabs.

“Hopefully the CCTV will deter passengers from abusing our hard-working drivers.”

The drivers taking part in the scheme will have to sign both the code of practice and contract agreement before the pilot scheme can begin.