​For the last 10 years, Arjay, one of our clients, has been paying his network $55/month for his camera. That’s a whopping $6600! He purchased his own camera kit from us for $1,350 and no longer has to pay that monthly camera fee.
 
How does recording work?
 
Approved cameras aren’t like regular ‘dash cams’ - they’re not used to document the trip or for the driver to keep. All footage is recorded onto an encrypted SD card and footage is available for download at approved locations across Australia only if an incident is reported.
 
This secure way of recording and accessing footage ensures maximum privacy for drivers and passengers, as footage isn’t monitored, or even viewed unless it is required.
 
Our approved cameras begin recording as soon as the vehicle is turned on and continues recording 30 minutes at the conclusion of a journey before automatically switching off.
 
Rideshare vehicles don’t yet require this type of securely monitored surveillance, and unapproved internal facing cameras pose security and confidentiality risks to both drivers and passengers. In some states such as Queensland, it is even illegal.  
 
Here at Transport Security Cameras, we’re very clued into the requirements for each state and territory so give us a call for any guidance you need. You can also check up on the requirements for your state at the government sites below:
​

Due to the anonymous nature of rank or hail work, WA's Department of Transport will require all Passenger Transport Vehicles to be fitted with a government approved camera surveillance unit (CSU).
​
By 1 July 2021:

• all taxis in Western Australia must have a CSU that meets the requirements of the 2020 Standards installed, including regional taxis;
• authorised ODBSs will be responsible for providing copies of recordings from CSUs when required; and
• authorised ODBSs can access CSU recordings for their own use in specific circumstances

When a taxi driver accepts a rank or hail job, limited trip details (such as passenger contact information) are recorded. In contrast, on-demand charter PTVs can only accept pre-booked work. This means that trip details are known prior to the driver accepting the job, and detailed records of who hired the vehicle, who drove the vehicle and the vehicle itself are recorded. The lack of information about drivers and passengers calls for improved security to keep everyone safe. 

​CSUs in PTVs other than rank or hail (taxis)
​Though CSUs are only mandated for taxis, the Regulations do apply some requirements to the use of CSUs in other categories of PTV.
If a CSU is installed in a PTV other than a taxi:

• a clearly visible sign notifying passengers that they are being recorded must be placed inside the front of the vehicle;
• recordings can only be used for authorised purposes as defined in the regulations; and
• copies of recordings must be provided to Police or Authorised Officers (such as DoT Education and Compliance Officers) when required.

The list of approved cameras on the WA DoT website includes our CCC Mark 1 Camera - the most cost effective camera surveillance unit for passenger transport vehicles. 

​It is clear to see that both passengers and drivers deserve to be in an environment where both parties can feel safe which is why the inclusion of a transport security camera can be of such benefit. Other reasons to include a transport security camera are;

• Records all incidents both in the vehicle and outside
• Reassures both driver and passenger
• Improves safety of the drive
• Promotes better driver and passenger behaviour

 
Issues around the cost of implementing a security camera have arisen with representatives from Uber stating that drivers won’t be able to afford the cost as half of all drivers only drive around 10 hours a week. This problem can be avoided whereby a driver that decides to install a transport security camera in their vehicle can operate as an independent operator and add a slight premium to passengers who no doubt will be happy to incur the cost knowing their safety is now a priority.
​
Rideshare drivers should want to have a transport security in their vehicle for their own protection whilst passengers too should be insisting on rideshare operators like Uber, Didi and Ola to make it mandatory for security camera installation.