Like their American counterparts, British officials are increasingly opting for so-called "security" rather than ensuring the privacy of their citizens. In Oxford, England, security officials have announced a plan to install surveillance cameras in private taxicabs.

The Daily Mail reports:

All taxis licensed for the first time by Oxford City Council must have the equipment installed from April 6 next year. Cabs which are already registered will have until April 2015 to get the camera fitted, the council said.

Oxford security agents have mandated that 650 taxicabs implement the use of surveillance cameras in their vehicles, which are to be paid for by the taxpayers. The camera will be recording the voice of the driver and the conversations of the passengers. Likewise, after a passenger has left the vehicle, the camera will continue to record, even when the cab driver is no longer in the vehicle and the cab’s ignition has been turned off. The camera will record for up to 30 minutes after the car is turned off, and the images and recordings will remain in the camera for up to 28 days.

As per the Oxford City Council, every taxicab in Oxford will have at least one CCTV (closed-circuit television) camera, at a cost of €260,000 to taxpayers, or approximately €400 per vehicle.

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