In the bustling streets of London, taxi drivers, private hire drivers, and operators of private hire minicabs are turning to TfL-approved dash cams to ensure the safety, security, and accountability of their rides. With Transport for London (TfL) setting stringent criteria for approved dash cams, choosing the right equipment is crucial for compliance and peace of mind.
This article reviews and compares the top TfL-approved dash cam options in 2024, helping you choose and install the dash camera system that works best and has a cost attached that fits your budget. And, if you’re short on time, skip straight to number 3 to learn more about a TfL-approved vehicle CCTV system that ticks all the boxes.
1. ACSS ACM1B TfL-Approved Dash Cam System
The ACM1B dash cam, endorsed by TfL for both private hire vehicles (PHVs) and taxi drivers, is one solution for those seeking a comprehensive in-vehicle CCTV system. This system is capable of supporting up to four cameras, offering flexible placement options including front, passenger, and rear-facing positions to ensure comprehensive coverage of the vehicle’s surroundings.
Specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of black taxis and PHVs, the ACM1B boasts features such as GPS tracking for precise vehicle location, a storage capacity with up to 256GB SD cards allowing for approximately 30 days of recording using H265 video compression, and 720p HD recording to capture every detail clearly, significantly aiding in the quick resolution of disputes and protection against unwarranted claims.
Additionally, it offers a user-friendly push-button activated audio recording feature, capable of capturing up to 3 minutes of sound at a 40KB/s rate, enhancing the system’s security capabilities. Notably, the ACM1B ensures security with AES256 data encryption, positioning it as a highly secure option.
2. ACSS ACX1B TfL-Approved Dash Cam System
The ACX1B dash cam system is tailored for black taxis and PHV operators looking for a TFL-approved in-vehicle CCTV solution that combines advanced surveillance capabilities with ease of use. This system can accommodate up to four cameras, providing flexibility in camera placement to cover front, passenger, and rear views for comprehensive vehicle monitoring.
The ACX1B distinguishes itself with a substantial 1TB hard drive storage capacity, ensuring up to 30 days of recording under H265 video compression technology, which efficiently stores high-quality 720p HD footage. This feature is instrumental in capturing every detail of the road and inside the vehicle, facilitating quicker resolution of disputes and safeguarding drivers against fraudulent claims which could jeopardise a driver’s account with ride-sharing platforms like Uber or Bolt.
The system includes a microphone with a push-button activation that allows for audio recording at a rate of 40KB/s for up to three minutes, adding an extra layer of security and detail to incident reports. With AES256 data encryption, the ACX1B offers top-tier security.
Designed to cater specifically to the needs of MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) PHVs, as well as black taxis, the system’s versatility is further enhanced by its technical specifications, which support HD recording across four analogue channels, a hard drive capacity expandable up to 2TB, GPS location tracking, and a wide operating range of 8 to 36V. It also offers multiple recording resolutions (CIF, D1, and 720p), four levels of video quality, and supports up to four sensor inputs and one output, aligning with TfL/NSL Tech Memo 3137 standards.
3. SmartCam: The Ultimate Cloud-Connected TfL-Approved Dash Cam
Crystal Ball’s SmartCam sets a new standard in the realm of TfL-approved in-vehicle CCTV solutions, offering a suite of features that far surpasses those of traditional dash cams like the ACSS ACM1B and ACX1B. This multi-award-winning system is distinguished by its 4G, cloud-based footage capability, seamlessly integrated with Crystal Ball’s FleetTracker system to provide not just real-time GPS tracking but also a wealth of other advanced functionalities.
In addition to being designed for taxis and private hire drivers, SmartCam is also able to cater to a broad range of vehicles, including trucks, HGVs, cars, and vans, ensuring that every aspect of fleet management is covered. Its cloud connectivity allows for the instant upload of video footage directly to a secure online platform, enabling fleet managers to access and review incident footage within seconds of an event occurring. This rapid access to data is crucial for the efficient management of claims and minimising costs in the event of ‘at-fault’ accidents, thereby protecting insurance premiums and no-claims bonuses.
Moreover, the SmartCam system is equipped with full HD recording capabilities to ensure that every detail of an incident is captured with crystal clarity. The direct cloud upload feature, alongside local SD card storage, guarantees that vital footage is always available when needed, providing a robust defence against insurance claims and ‘crash for cash’ scams.
And while the versatility of the SmartCam TfL-approved dash cameras is a huge benefit, they’ve also been adapted specifically to meet the TfL regulations for private hire minicabs and taxi drivers. This way, for any private hire vehicle that travels with passengers, drivers and managers alike can feel confident that their vehicle CCTV systems are fully compliant and effective.
Choosing Your TfL-Approved Dash Cam
When selecting a TfL-approved dash cam for your private hire vehicle or taxi business, it’s essential to recognise that any device making it onto the TfL-approved list meets rigorous standards for quality, reliability, and functionality. These criteria ensure that the basic needs for safety, security, and compliance are met, providing a foundational level of trust in these devices.
However, for those aiming to elevate their operation, choosing a system that integrates more than just the basic requirements can be a game-changer. Crystal Ball’s SmartCam exemplifies this leap forward, offering a powerful, cloud-connected system that not only meets TfL’s stringent standards but surpasses them. Its 4G cloud connectivity opens up new avenues for real-time tracking, incident management, and driver behaviour analysis, setting a new benchmark for operational efficiency and security.
What to Look For in Your TfL-Approved Dash Cam Supplier
When choosing a supplier for your TfL-approved dash cam, the quality of the product is just the beginning. Equally important are the installation process and the level of customer support provided, as these aspects can significantly impact your experience and satisfaction. Crystal Ball distinguishes itself as a standout supplier in these areas, offering free nationwide installation and award-winning customer support, making us a top choice for TfL-approved dash cams.
The convenience of free nationwide installation cannot be overstated. With Crystal Ball, the process of integrating a state-of-the-art dash cam system into your fleet is seamless and hassle-free, no matter where you’re located. This service ensures that your devices are correctly installed and fully operational from day one, allowing you to focus on your business without worrying about the intricacies of device setup.
Moreover, Crystal Ball’s commitment to excellence is further demonstrated through our award-winning customer support. Recognised for our responsiveness, expertise, and dedication to solving customer issues, Crystal Ball provides peace of mind that goes beyond the initial purchase. Our support team is readily available to assist with any queries or concerns, ensuring that you get the most out of your dash cam system and that your operations run smoothly at all times.
In conclusion, by opting for a solution like Crystal Ball’s SmartCam, PHV and taxi businesses can leverage the latest in technology to enhance service quality, ensure compliance, and ultimately, drive their business to new heights. Want to find out more? Contact us at Crystal Ball or arrange a demo of our CCTV systems today.