I was glad to read that the CCTV camera trial in Sheffield taxis has been successful, (see page 20) because I believe that every cab should be fitted with such equipment and that our trade should be given grants to enable us to do it. I know there is the argument that says what good are the cameras when an incident takes place outside the cab and the cameras can’t pick it up. I don’t accept that opinion because with today’s advances in technology I believe that can be done. What’s more, the cost of the equipment is getting cheaper so it soon won’t be price that can be used as an excuse to dismiss the idea of in-cab CCTV. Sheffield City Council should be congratulated for recognizing that taxi drivers need protection and for giving CCTV cameras the chance to prove they can have a significant impact on crime. The results of the trial they carried out showed that from one incident taking place for every seven fares, it now averages one in 100. Thankfully there are not many reported attacks on taxi drivers in London at present but why wait until there are. With the increase in knife and gun related crimes and the need of these morons who carry these weapons to fuel drug addiction, the bag snatchers down at Blackwall tunnel may turn to more lethal methods when faced with a locked cab door. CCTV cameras do act as a deterrent and perhaps our taxi manufacturers should look into the possibility of all new cabs having CCTV cameras installed as standard. They could then add this to their portfolio of safety features they already boast about.