
Driving a PCO car without a Tfl-approved dash cam? You might be breaking regulations. Every taxi and PCO car in London needs TfL approved dashcams. These devices improve safety and serve as evidence when incidents happen.
The systems can include up to four cameras, and the footage must be stored for 28 days to meet TfL rules.
The cameras need secure mounting that won't block your view. We looked at many options from TfL's approved list to find the best dash cams for taxi drivers in 2025.
Our review covers everything from simple models at £5.99 per week to high-end versions with dual HD cameras that perform well in any light. The right dash cam does more than help you avoid fines - it gives you peace of mind while you're out there on London's busy streets.
Model | Resolution | Storage Capacity | Key Features | Price | Best Suited For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ACSS ACM1B | 720p HD | Up to 256GB SD |
• Up to 4 cameras support • GPS tracking • AES256 encryption | £450.00 |
• Central London operators • Night change drivers • High-profile client transport |
ACSS ACX1B | 720p HD | 1TB or 2TB HDD |
• 4-channel recording • AES256 encryption • GPS tracking • Push-button audio (3 min) • Two-year warranty | £640.00 |
• Black taxi operators • MPV private hire vehicles • High-risk area operators |
Visiontrack VT1000 | 1080p Full HD | Up to 32GB SD |
• 170° wide-angle lens • GPS/GLONASS tracking • G-shock sensor • Tamper-proof case • Court-admissible encryption | £170.00 - £209.99 |
• Drivers concerned with cash-for-crash scams • Fleet operators • Telematics integration users |
SAFE Systems 605 Standard | Front: 1080p Interior: 720p IR | 1TB HDD |
• Dual-channel recording • Infrared interior camera • GPS tracking • Push-button audio (1 min) • Two-year warranty | £640.00 |
• Black cab/PHV drivers • Night change operators • Extended hours drivers |
SAFE Systems 605 Premium | Front: 1080p Interior: 720p IR Rear: 1080p | 1TB HDD |
• Triple camera system • Infrared interior camera • GPS tracking • Panic button audio • Two-year warranty | £700.00 |
• Uber/PHV drivers • Larger vehicle operators • Night change drivers |
Crystal Ball 4G | Full HD | Cloud + SD Card |
• 4G connectivity • Live monitoring • Driver behaviour scoring • Cloud upload • Fleet management integration | Not mentioned |
• Fleet operators • Companies focusing on driver behaviour • Multiple vehicle management |
VT2000 Dual Cam | 1080p Full HD | Up to 128GB SD |
• 170° viewing angle • GPS/GLONASS tracking • Cloud connectivity • G-shock sensor • FNOL alerts | £88.88 - £210.00 |
• TfL-licensed drivers • Fleet managers • Insurance claim protection |
RoadHawk DC-4 Pro | Up to 1440p (2K) | 128GB SD included |
• Dual cameras (front/rear) • Wi-Fi connectivity • GPS tracking • Gesture controls • Improved night vision | £300.00 |
• Drivers needing simple operation • Front/rear coverage users • Wireless connectivity users |
The ACSS ACM1B leads the Tfl-approved dash cam list and will give a reliable security system to London taxi and private hire drivers. This compact yet powerful system meets Transport for London's strict rules and will give a complete protection to drivers and passengers.
The system uses AES256 data encryption that keeps all footage secure and tamper-proof. A push-button activates audio recording that captures up to 3 minutes of sound at a 40KB/s rate. This gives you extra evidence when you need it.
Pros:
Cons:
The ACSS ACM1B starts at £450.00. This price reflects a most important investment for professional drivers. The main recording unit comes with this price, but you might buy extra cameras based on what you need. Several vendors like DTec offer installation with your purchase. So it makes sense to check different suppliers to get the best deal with fitting and setup included.
The ACSS ACM1B fits perfectly for London black cab drivers and private hire operators who want full TfL compliance while putting security first. The system's complete feature set helps drivers who:
The ACM1B packs professional features but stays simple enough for most drivers to use without deep technical knowledge. The system's solid build lasts long even under daily taxi use. The ACM1B gives peace of mind to drivers who carry VIP clients or work in different settings. Every trip gets documented with clear video evidence. This makes it one of the top dash cams for taxi drivers who want reliability and full coverage.
ACSS's reputation for reliable security solutions continues with the ACX1B. This model takes TfL approved dash cam technology further. The system delivers exceptional surveillance capabilities designed specifically for London taxi and private hire drivers.
The system has a dedicated microphone with push-button activation for audio documentation. It records at 40KB/s up to three minutes each time you activate it. This feature is a great way to get verbal evidence during disputes or incidents.
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The ACSS ACX1B system costs £640.00. This price reflects the system's strong capabilities and TfL-approved status. The standard package has the main recording unit, selected cameras (based on what you need), a 1TB hard drive, GPS tracking antenna, push-button microphone (if selected), and warning stickers that tell passengers about recording. The price usually includes installation.
The ACX1B system works best for:
The ACX1B adapts well to different vehicle types and driver priorities with its flexible camera setup options. The large storage capacity ensures you capture all critical incidents, while encryption keeps your data secure. London taxi drivers looking for a reliable, TfL-approved solution will find the ACX1B one of the most complete systems available. The system's design addresses the unique challenges of operating a taxi in London's demanding environment.
The VT1000 from Visiontrack provides court-admissible evidence for London taxi drivers who need a security-focused dash cam solution. This forward-facing camera is a compact yet powerful option on the TfL approved dash cam list. It protects drivers against disputed incidents on London's busy roads.
The VT1000 includes these features to document incidents:
Storage options meet professional needs, with support for SD cards up to 32GB (Class 10). The footage stays secure and court-admissible through codec encryption. Recording time changes based on your resolution settings. At 1080p HD with 30 FPS, you get about 12 hours of footage. Reducing to 1 FPS extends this to 58 hours.
The VT1000 does more than simple recording. It works with Google Maps, Google Earth, and Google Street View. This creates detailed trip documentation that helps resolve disputed incidents.
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The Visiontrack VT1000 costs less than many TfL approved dash cams, with prices changing between suppliers. You can find refurbished units starting at £170.00. Some retailers sell Grade A refurbished units for £88.88 with nationwide fitting. New units cost more, around £209.99. Compare different suppliers to get the best mix of price, warranty, and installation services. Most packages come with the camera unit, SD card, security key, software, and hardwiring kit.
The VT1000 works best for:
London taxi drivers will find the VT1000 hits the sweet spot between cost and professional features. It stands out from consumer cameras because it's built for commercial fleets. The security features address professional drivers' specific needs.
The SAFE Systems 605 Standard uses a reliable hard drive system rather than SD cards. This TfL approved dash cam gives London taxi and PHV drivers exceptional recording reliability. Professional drivers get security and peace of mind with a detailed package made just for them.
The SAFE Systems 605 Standard stands out on the TfL approved dash cam list with its impressive specs. The system uses a dual-channel setup with a 1080p front camera and a 720p infrared passenger camera inside. Night driving is no problem - the infrared feature captures clear footage during evening shifts.
Storage is where this system really shines. The 1TB hard drive stores at least a month of recordings. This beats typical SD card systems that can't record nearly as much footage. The dedicated push-button microphone records audio on a one-minute timer. This gives vital evidence during disputes while staying within privacy rules. The system also comes with:The package has passenger warning stickers and audio warning signs to meet privacy regulations.
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The SAFE Systems 605 Standard costs £640.00. Professional drivers find this investment worthwhile. The price has fitting at DTec Tower Hamlets E1 included, which adds real value. SAFE Systems helps with the cost through 0% finance options over 3-6 months for the CCTV unit (not including installation). Drivers can protect themselves right away while paying in smaller amounts.
The SAFE Systems 605 Standard works great for:
The manufacturer says more local authorities approve this system than any other vehicle CCTV in the taxi industry. Drivers working across different areas benefit from wide acceptance.
The SAFE Systems 605 Premium takes taxi surveillance to the next level with its detailed triple-camera solution. London taxi and private hire drivers get maximum coverage from this TfL approved dash cam system. The front, rear and passenger-facing cameras work together to record every angle.
We designed the 605 Premium package around its three-channel recording capability. The setup has a 1080p front-facing camera, a 720p infrared passenger camera, and a 1080p rear camera. These cameras give you complete coverage of your vehicle's interior and exterior surroundings.
Your footage stays safe on a 1TB encrypted hard drive that holds about 31 days of recordings. This is a big deal as it means that you'll always have access to historical footage for evidence or resolving disputes.The dedicated panic button microphone lets you record audio. Once pressed, it records sound for one minute. This gives you vital evidence during incidents while following privacy regulations. The system's core features include:
The package meets all TfL requirements, making it fully compliant for London's taxi and private hire vehicles.
Pros:
Cons:
The SAFE Systems 605 Premium costs £700.00, which is £60 more than the Standard model. This price covers installation at DTec Tower Hamlets E1.
Home installation adds £90 to the cost. You only pay once with no monthly fees, making this system affordable over time. Tax benefits can help offset your investment since the system counts as a business expense.
This system works best for:
The SAFE Systems 605 Premium protects both drivers and passengers exceptionally well. Your vehicle stays monitored inside and out with the three cameras, and the large storage means you won't miss important incidents. London taxi operators who want detailed coverage and peace of mind will find this Premium package a solid investment in security and professionalism.
The Crystal Ball SmartCam is changing the dash cam market with state-of-the-art 4G connectivity. This product stands out on the TfL approved dash cam list because it's the only fully cloud-integrated solution available. The multi-award-winning system utilises modern technology to give London taxi and private hire drivers better protection.
The SmartCam sets itself apart with its detailed cloud-based capabilities. Traditional dash cams can't match its ability to upload footage instantly to a secure online platform. Fleet managers can see incident footage within seconds after an event. Quick access to footage is vital to handle claims and reduce accident costs.
Other noteworthy features include:
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Crystal Ball's pricing works differently from other TfL approved dash cams. The company doesn't list prices publicly. Each quote is customised based on fleet size and specific needs. Interested buyers should contact Crystal Ball directly for their personalised quote.
The SmartCam system works best for:
The VT2000 Dual Cam System gives London taxi drivers a connected telematics solution that meets TfL dash cam requirements. This system uses full HD 1080p dual cameras to provide excellent surveillance coverage.
You can use SD cards up to 128GB with codec encryption, and choose between continuous, event, or dual-mode recording. The system works with 12V to 24V DC power systems, making it compatible with London's diverse taxi fleet.
Pros:
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Shop around for the best VT2000 prices. Refurbished units with 64GB SD cards and nationwide fitting start at £88.88. New units cost between £170-£210 depending on accessories.
The VT2000 Dual Cam System serves:
The system combines wide-angle coverage, strong connectivity, and tamper-proof design. This makes it valuable for London's demanding driving conditions. The VT2000 protects taxi operators while meeting all TfL requirements.
The RoadHawk DC-4 Pro gives London taxi drivers a complete recording solution with both front and rear visibility in a TfL approved dash cam package. This system combines HD recording and wireless connectivity to deliver maximum flexibility during operation.
The DC-4 Pro delivers impressive recording quality at 1440p Quad HD (2K) resolution at 30fps. The advanced 6G glass lens captures significant details such as road signs and number plates with exceptional clarity. The system has forward-facing and detachable rear-view cameras that provide a complete view of front and rear surroundings.
The built-in Wi-Fi is a big advantage as it lets drivers transfer footage directly to smartphones through the MyRoadHawk app. Drivers can view, download and adjust settings without removing the SD card.
Other notable features include:
Pros:
Cons:
Authorised dealers like Volvo charge around £300 for the RoadHawk DC-4 Pro with professional installation. This puts it in the mid-range category of TfL approved dash cams.
London taxi drivers who want simple operation without compromising on recording quality will find the DC-4 Pro ideal. The system works best for drivers who need front and rear coverage and those who prefer uninterrupted wireless connectivity to retrieve footage easily.
Your specific needs as a London taxi driver will determine which TfL approved dash cam works best for you. Our tests show that storage capacity, camera quality, and security features are the key factors to consider. The ACSS ACX1B with its 2TB storage works great for drivers who want to keep footage longer, while the Crystal Ball 4G is perfect for fleet operators who want up-to-the-minute monitoring.
Price plays a big role in your choice. Basic options like the VT1000 cost around £170, while high-end ones like the SAFE Systems 605 Premium at £700 give you complete triple-camera coverage that could be worth the extra money. You can see how features and prices compare in our table of all eight tested systems. Think about what you really want and how much you can spend. Night drivers should look for infrared features, bigger vehicles might want multiple camera angles, and high-risk area drivers would do well with impact detection.
Any Tfl-approved dash cam from our list will improve your security by a lot while keeping you within regulations on London's busy streets.
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