TWELVE executive-style private hire vehicle operators with customers who 'demand absolute confidentiality' have permission to chauffeur without CCTV, it can be revealed.

Drivers across Warrington have been required to have cameras fitted in their vehicles since June 2016.

But after the updated hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy came into force in June this year, following approval from the licensing committee, drivers were given permission to temporarily switch off CCTV while their vehicles are in private use.

However, there are a fleet of private hire vehicles in the town that have special exemptions to the regulations.

The special exemptions include having permission to chauffeur without standard licence plates and Warrington Borough Council door signs.

There are currently 29 of these vehicles, with 18 operators.

And it can be revealed that 12 of the operators – with 23 vehicles in total – have been granted an exemption from CCTV.

Operators have told the authority that clients 'demand privacy and confidentially clauses' as part of their contracts – and claimed clients would terminate contracts if they were not exempt from a camera system.

Council chief executive Steven Broomhead says the businesses involved 'compete in a high-end market' and their customers 'often demand absolute confidentiality'.

He added: "We acknowledge that the hackney carriage and private hire trade provides an invaluable service to the public and we’re committed to safeguarding passengers and drivers.

"In order to do this, we need to take appropriate steps to prevent crime.

"CCTV is vital for effective licensing and regulation and we’re grateful for the support and commitment of operators in Warrington.

"We currently have 18 operators, 29 vehicles, providing an executive-style chauffeuring service for their business clients.

"It remains the case that all vehicles should have an operational CCTV system in place.

"For an exemption to be granted, an operator must make an application in writing, with a full business case identifying the reasons for exemption, together with any relevant evidence.

"The matter is then referred to the council’s licensing committee for a decision to be reached.

"All operators are required to renew their licence on a regular basis and any business running an executive-style service must provide evidence that they still require an exemption.

"We recognise that licensed drivers provide an essential service for customers and we will continue to carry out checks to reassure the public that only fit and proper persons are able to hold a licence."