London city council could be first in country to force cameras on Uber drivers

London is poised to become the first city in Canada to require drivers of ride-share services like Uber to have a camera in their vehicle.

Adding video surveillance is one condition outlined in a contentious new bylaw narrowly given initial approval from city council Tuesday in a 7-6 vote.

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Coun. Virginia Ridley opposes putting cameras in vehicles used for ride-share services. She said cameras could also be removed from the rest of the industry, including limos and taxis.

"We're over-regulating this industry and not allowing for innovation," she said. "It's one example where we regulate a lot and I think there are a lot of other businesses we don't regulate to the same level."

Improving safety

Taxi drivers supported the changes, saying the decision is a huge victory for public safety, considering cabs have been required to have cameras for years.

Cab drivers say cameras will help deter crimes in vehicles.

In December, a London Uber driver was charged with sexually assaulting one of his passengers, according to Ontario Provincial Police. The driver was charged with sexual assault and forcible confinement.

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Officials from Uberwere shocked by council's decision, saying no other city in the world has forced its drivers to have cameras.

More than "70 jurisdictions around the world have passed regulations that embrace ride-sharing," said Uber spokeswoman Susie Heath. "No city globally requires cameras in ride-sharing vehicles."

Discouraging new business

Adding regulations, like in-vehicle cameras, will make it more of a challenge for new companies looking to set up shop in London, explained Ridley.

"Our economies are changing," she said. "If we are resistant to innovation and change - and wrapping our heads around of doing business I think it's going to be the detriment of Londoners."

Uber officials made a similar argument, saying it could prevent people from finding employment.

"Requiring Uber drivers to install cameras in their vehicles presents significant barriers to entry for people in London hoping to earn a flexible income, without any proven impact on the safety of riders and drivers,"said Heath.

Councillors will vote whether or not to approve the bylaw during a city council meeting on Feb. 14.