Mandatory CCTV cameras will be installed in all hackney carriage taxis, which was agreed upon in a Barnsley council meeting on Wednesday.
This follows public surveying, and progression from an approval last April by the South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral authority last year to fund a pilot scheme.
The new commitment is part of a scheme to increase safety for passengers and drivers in taxis, advocated by Councillor Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and safety in Barnsley.
She said: “The safety of residents, visitors, and those who work in our borough is a top priority, and by requiring CCTV in all hackney carriages we’re enhancing safety for both drivers and passengers.”
Hackney carriage taxi drivers will have to make clear within the carriage that CCTV is in use.
Cllr Cain added: “These changes support our night time economy by encouraging more drivers to work during later hours, so residents and visitors can enjoy Barnsley’s nightlife with confidence of a safe journey back.”
The council will fund and provide these cameras, but will make the taxi owner responsible for keeping them in a good condition.
All data will belong to the council, who will control it for privacy purposes.
Councillor James Higginbottom, cabinet member for transport and the environment, also had a strong support for it in Wednesday’s meeting.
“The introduction of mandatory CCTV in hackney carriages is a standard practice across the industry, it provides safety, security and peace of mind, both for passengers and more importantly for the taxi drivers themselves.”
The SYMCA put aside £173,500 to fund the project.