Security cameras for Calgary taxis may soon be mandatory

A new measure approved by a city committee Wednesday is taking a step towards making security cameras mandatory for Calgary taxis.

While 95 per cent of taxis in the city already have security cameras on board, the move is meant to improve safety and ease driver fears about working at night.

"Our statistics are telling us that we have an increase in drivers that are coming out at night so that confidence level is building," said Marc Halat of the Taxi and Limousine Advisory Committee.

"That last five per cent is just a matter of getting those cars in and getting them equipped."

Halat says there is no reluctance among taxi drivers to put cameras in their cars.

The measure still needs to be approved by city council.

If approved at the meeting next week, the measure will take effect July 1.