GMB, the union for licensed mini cab drivers, is planning to lobby the Department of Transport to introduce the closed circuit television cameras in all cabs.

Union chiefs want the Government to fund the installation of the cameras which would be used to ensure drivers feel safer doing their job.

The news has been welcomed by one town taxi boss, who is planning to have half of his fleet fitted with cameras.

Rob Pattison, who runs Streamline Taxis from Tower Street, said: "This week we are having another 21 cabs fitted with cameras which will bring our total number of cars with CCTV to 40, which is more than half of our fleet.

"We are involved with the Safer Hartlepool Partnership which has paid half of the cost. This scheme is for the safety of both the drivers and customers because in this trade you can get a lot of allegations against you.

"The cameras can be installed on the dash board, below the mirror or on the ceiling of the cab."

The move follows a spate of attacks on drivers across the country that has left nine dead in the last nine months.

Anne Griffith, owner of Hudsons Taxis, said: "If the Government is willing to pay for it then great. Anything that helps improve the safety of the drivers.

"Hartlepool is quite good in terms of safety and we very rarely get any trouble. In my years in charge I don't remember any really violent attacks."

However, Ian Cameron, owner of Cameron Taxis, has reservations over the cameras being installed.

He said: "There are two schools of thought on this. One is that they do the world of good and the other side is that people start playing up to the camera when they see it after a night out and that has a bad effect. Personally I am not in favour of it. I think the driver's common sense, experience and knowledge plays a big part in ensuring they don't get in those situations. I don't feel the need for it at the moment."

Terence Flanagan, GMB Branch secretary of the professional drivers branch, said: "The GMB professional drivers branch has decided that immediate action must be taken as a result of the severe risks to their lives and limbs those GMB members who drive mini cabs face on a daily basis."

The GMB intends to lobby the Department of Transport at an event on Monday, April 28.

Union bosses want CCTV fitted in all licensed mini cabs and shields placed between the driver and passengers to ensure safety for their drivers.