All taxis must be compliant with taxi security camera specifications by 1 February 2021
As of 1 February 2021 all taxis providing rank and hail passenger services must have security camera systems that comply with clause 18 of the Point to Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicles) Regulation 2017.
The exemption allowing taxis fitted with a security camera system that was compliant immediately before the repeal of the Passenger Transport Regulation 2007 to continue to operate will cease.
This means any vehicles with a security camera system not meeting the specifications under clause 18 must be withdrawn from service until the system is updated to meet the requirements.
The specifications required by clause 18 can be found in the following Transport for NSW documents:
• Taxi Security System Specifications
• Safeguards for the Use of Security Camera Systems
What type of camera is required?
The taxi’s camera must be impact and shock resistant, enough to tolerate a typical car accident and the vibration experienced during the normal operation of a taxi.
The system must also work within a temperature range of -5°C to +60°C and up to 85% relative humidity.
It is essential that both drivers and vehicle owners make sure the security camera system is operating in the vehicle when the vehicle is conducting rank and hail work.
The security camera system must be powered and fully operational when the vehicle ignition is on or when the taxi is available for hire (for example at a taxi rank) and the ignition is not otherwise on.
The security camera system must have a visual indicator showing the driver when the camera is working or not working.
The driver must be able to see the indicator light when seated in the normal driving position.
Any security camera system that requires a third party to download images does not meet the requirements of the legislation. A third party is not authorised under clause 18(3) of the Regulation.
A full factsheet and Q&A is available here.
Checklist:
We have developed a checklist which may help you check that your camera security system is compliant:
More information about camera specifications can be found by visiting the Security Camera Factsheet
Contact the Industry Contact Centre on 131 727 if you require more information.