Two entrepreneurs are hoping to start selling mini security cameras for taxi cabs in a bid to curb violence.

Recently drivers said there were certain places they avoided because of the risk of being mugged.

IT specialists Dwayne Hill and Nathan Ming have installed a camera in Mr. Hill?s father?s cab.

They said the tiny device, which measures four inches by two and a half inches, can snap pictures when the door opens or be operated by a panic button.

Up to three could be installed including one by the rear view mirror and one in the back facing forwards.

Mr. Ming said: ?You could have a panic button wherever the driver wants it placed.

?Right now we have one which we are testing.?

A representative from suppliers Verified Technologies in Ontario is on the Island and will accompany the men to a meeting today with the Public Service Vehicles Licensing Board.

Two cameras could be installed for around $1,250 said Mr. Ming.

?They can be used with Global Positioning Systems or without.?

A sign would advertise the presence of the cameras said Mr. Ming although he said he and his partner were still researching the legal implications.

Transport Control Department director Kevin Monkman said there were already a couple of companies offering taxi security cameras.

?It?s a technology used in other jurisdictions,? he said.

Typically the photos were stored in a box which could not be accessed by the driver but are only retrieved if a driver or a passenger makes a complaint ? at which stage the Police or the local taxi regulatory authority step in.

He said it was good to have more security but he said picture evidence had yet to be used in a court case.

?There is no legislation or any official policy as to there use.?

Bermuda Taxi Operators Association (BTOA) spokesperson Lee Tucker said in order for the cameras to work there needed to be a law saying hoods and helmets could not be worn in cabs.

He said the cameras were useless in identifying people with hoods down wearing heavy sunglasses.

The taxi industry is currently lobbying for a change in the law which bars cabs from refusing to pick up certain fares.

He said: ?It doesn?t make sense to pick up a passenger who has threatened or victimised you before. If a person has robbed them the driver doesn?t want to trust them twice.?