BOLTON councillors have unanimously backed plans to put security cameras in taxis to combat a rising tide of attacks.

The council's licensing panel endorsed drivers' pleas to allow CCTV to be put on board after a spate of serious incidents.

In the most horrifying attack, driver Quadir Hussain died when he was struck by a car as he tried to escape a passenger who had assaulted him in December 1997.

Charles Oakes, secretary of Bolton's Hackney Carriage Association, welcomed move.

He said: "These incidents are on the increase and they have got to be stopped.

"Hopefully it will now be a question of weeks rather than months before they can be installed."

Councillors were reassured that if scenes recorded in Bolton cabs were used for anything other than security purposes, it would be classed as misconduct on the part of the driver.

It will be up to individual operators to decide whether to install the cameras or not, but signs must be displayed where it is.

Andrew Fisher, council licensing officer, said: "We all share the concern expressed by members of the trade about the increase in the number of violent attack which taxi drivers have suffered."

Cllr Rosa Kay said: "Anything that helps with community safety has to be welcomed."

Cllr John Walsh said: "This should work as a safeguard both ways. It protects the passenger as well as the driver and I support the concept."

Discussions are now expected to take place between the council and taxi drivers' representatives to agree what type of security cameras to put in.

The CCTV systems will only record pictures to protect private conversations. It is understood cameras cost between £300 and £500.