Cheapest TfL Approved Dash Cam in 2026: Real Prices Compared
Charles
The cheapest TfL approved dash cam is the one with the lowest total cost over the time you drive, not the one with the smallest sticker price.
First: cheap unapproved cameras aren’t an option
A £60 dash cam from Amazon isn’t a cheaper alternative. You can’t legally fit it to a licensed PCO car. It isn’t on TfL’s approved list, and it’ll likely fail on mounting, wiring and audio too. You’d be paying £60 for something you then have to take off. See can you use a normal dash cam in a PCO car.
So the real comparison is between approved options.
The two ways you pay
Approved dash cams for PCO drivers are sold in two main ways.
- One-off purchase. You buy the camera, pay for fitting, and own it.
- Monthly scheme. You pay a fixed fee every month. The supplier provides the camera, and sometimes fitting and footage storage.
Monthly looks cheaper on day one. Over three years, it usually isn’t.
Real numbers, compared over 3 years
Here are real options available to London PCO drivers right now.
| Option | Upfront | Monthly | 1-year cost | 3-year cost | Own it? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uber and Otto Car scheme (front and cabin) | £0 | £25 | £300 | £900 | No |
| Traknova 2ch (front and cabin), fitted | £389 | £0 | £389 | £389 | Yes |
| Traknova 3ch (front, rear, cabin), fitted | £459 | £0 | £459 | £459 | Yes |
The Otto Car scheme is promoted by Uber and includes fitting at an Otto hub. Otto stores the footage and emails clips to you when you request them, under a fair usage policy.
Traknova prices are £299 or £369 for the camera, plus £90 for professional fitting. Footage syncs to the cloud over 4G and you view it on your phone. There’s a 12-month hardware warranty.
The break-even point between the Otto scheme and the Traknova 2-channel camera is around 16 months. If you plan to drive longer than that, owning the camera works out cheaper. Prices change, so always check the supplier’s current price.
The costs people forget
Whatever you choose, budget for these.
ICO data protection fee
If you run a camera in a vehicle you work in, the ICO says you’ll usually need to pay the data protection fee. Most small businesses pay the lowest tier, currently £52 a year. Over three years that’s £156, whichever camera you choose. Use the ICO’s fee checker to confirm your amount.
Fitting
Approved cameras need permanent, fused wiring, routed clear of airbags and driver assistance sensors. A “cheap” camera with a £100 install isn’t cheap. Always ask for the fitted price.
Footage access
Some schemes cap how often you can request footage, or make you wait for it by email. If you can’t get a clip quickly when Uber or your insurer asks, the camera hasn’t done its job.
Signage
You need a TfL interior sign, free from a vehicle inspection centre, and an exterior sign, usually from your supplier. Ask whether it’s included.
Changing cars
If you switch cars, ask what it costs to move the camera. With a camera you own, you pay to refit it. With a scheme, check the contract.
SD cards and replacements
Cheap SD cards fail under constant recording. Ask whether a card is included and what size it is. See our guide to the best SD card for a dash cam.
Questions to ask about price
Before you pay anything, ask:
- What’s the total cost, including fitting, for my car?
- Is there a monthly fee, and is there a minimum term?
- Are there extra charges for footage requests or storage?
- What does it cost to move the camera to another car?
- What does the warranty cover, and for how long?
- Is the system on TfL’s current approved list for private hire vehicles?
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest TfL approved dash cam?
It depends how long you’ll drive. Monthly schemes are cheapest in the first year. Buying outright is usually cheapest after about 16 months.
Are there TfL approved dash cams with no monthly fee?
Yes. Some approved cameras, including Traknova’s, are a one-off cost with £0 a month.
How much does it cost to fit a TfL approved dash cam?
Fitting is often charged separately. Traknova’s professional fitting is £90. Always ask for the fitted price.
Is the Uber dash cam scheme the cheapest option?
It’s the cheapest upfront, at £0 and then £25 a month. Over three years it costs £900, and you don’t own the camera.
Do I have to pay the ICO fee on top?
Usually yes, if you use the camera in a vehicle you work in. That applies whichever camera you choose.
Bottom line
If you plan to drive for more than a year or so, a one-off approved camera is almost always cheaper than a monthly scheme. And you keep the camera.
See Traknova’s TfL-approved dash cams, from £299 with £0 a month →