Colombia. In order to combat the insecurity that affects both users and taxi drivers, Senator Bernardo Elías, of the U Party, filed in recent days a bill that seeks to adopt new surveillance measures for this type of public transport.
The bill seeks to force taxi companies to install video cameras inside vehicles, within two years of the law's entry into force. With this initiative, it is intended that the videos obtained facilitate the identification and subsequent prosecution of individuals who use the taxi service to commit crimes. The bill leaves in the hands of the companies providing the service, the verification of the operation of the chambers; however, the transit authorities would have the power to impose sanctions and immobilize the vehicles of those who do not comply with the rule.
It is important to note that there would be no need to have the consent of taxi users to obtain the video record, although it would be necessary to inform that the vehicle has a camera. On this point, it is explained in the explanatory memorandum of the project that, by obeying reasons of general interest, legitimate and constitutionally justified, the constitutional right to privacy of users would not be violated.
In relation to the bill and its reception in taxi companies, Senator Elías said that "they welcome the initiative, since it is a measure that will result in greater safety not only for users, but also for the drivers of the vehicles of each company; in addition, the installation of the cameras will generate greater control of the transport companies over their associates".
