Is TfL Making Dash Cams Mandatory for Uber Drivers?
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Not yet, but the direction of travel is clear and PCO drivers should plan for it.
Where things stand today
As of November 2026, fitting a camera to a London private hire vehicle is still optional. TfL allows owners to choose whether to install approved in-vehicle CCTV.
If you do fit one, it has to be TfL approved for private hire vehicles. That part hasn’t changed, and it applies to road-facing dash cams as well as cabin cameras.
How we got here
The 2021 consultation
TfL consulted on making in-vehicle CCTV mandatory for taxis and PHVs between February and March 2021. Several years later, no final decision has been published.
TfL’s action plan
In its Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan, published in 2025, TfL said it would review its guidance and requirements on in-vehicle CCTV. It also said it would give further thought to making CCTV mandatory from 2026/27, which could include a new consultation.
Calls for national standards
TfL has told Parliament it supports national minimum standards for in-vehicle CCTV. The aim is to make rules consistent across licensing authorities, instead of each council setting its own.
Pressure from Westminster
MPs on the Transport Committee have called on the government to consult on mandatory in-vehicle CCTV for taxis and PHVs, as part of wider reform of taxi and private hire licensing.
Outside London, some councils already require CCTV in licensed vehicles. The question is no longer whether cameras become common, but when and how.
How many drivers already have one?
TfL’s own licensee survey, published in its 2025 action plan, found that around 27% of private hire drivers had road-facing cameras and 14% had passenger-facing cameras. Among black cab drivers, 57% had road-facing cameras.
So most PCO drivers still don’t have a camera. If a mandate arrives, a lot of drivers will be looking for one at the same time.
What would a mandate look like?
Nothing has been proposed in detail. Based on how TfL already regulates cameras, any mandate would most likely build on today’s rules rather than replace them.
Approved systems only
TfL already requires approved systems. Expect that to continue, with the approved list doing the heavy lifting.
Cabin coverage
The 2021 consultation focused on in-vehicle CCTV, meaning cameras recording passengers. A road-facing camera alone may not be enough.
Data rules
Today’s rules would likely stay: encrypted footage, automatic overwriting, a maximum of 28 days’ retention unless there’s a claim or investigation, and footage released only on written request.
Who controls the footage
This is the big open question. Today, whoever decides to fit the camera is the data controller. Government guidance says that where a licensing authority mandates CCTV, the authority takes responsibility for handling the data. If TfL mandates cameras, it may need to take on that role, which would be a significant change.
A deadline
Any mandate would likely come with a deadline, giving drivers time to fit an approved system.
What it would mean for your costs
If you already have an approved camera with cabin coverage, a mandate may cost you nothing extra. If you have no camera, or an unapproved one, you’d need to buy and fit an approved system. If demand spikes, fitting slots may fill up.
You’d also still need to pay the ICO data protection fee if you’re the data controller. Most small businesses pay the lowest tier, currently £52 a year.
What to do now
You don’t need to rush. But if you were already thinking about a camera:
- Buy an approved system, so you don’t have to replace it later
- Choose one with a cabin camera, since that’s what any mandate would likely focus on
- Avoid long subscription contracts, in case the rules change what you need
- Keep your paperwork in order: approval details, signage, ICO fee receipt
Frequently asked questions
Are dash cams mandatory for Uber drivers in London?
No. As of November 2026, cameras are optional for private hire vehicles in London. If you fit one, it must be TfL approved.
When will TfL make CCTV mandatory?
There’s no date. TfL has said it will look again at mandatory CCTV from 2026/27, which may include a consultation.
Will a road-facing dash cam be enough if CCTV becomes mandatory?
Possibly not. The debate so far has focused on cameras that record passengers.
What happened to the 2021 TfL CCTV consultation?
It ran in early 2021. No final outcome has been published.
Should I buy a dash cam now or wait?
If you want the protection now, buy an approved system with cabin coverage. That keeps you covered whatever TfL decides.
Bottom line
Nothing has changed yet. But an approved camera with cabin coverage protects you today and puts you ahead if the rules change.