The digital stills camera can take pictures of people as they get in and out of the cab, and can be activated if anything happens during a journey.

The pictures can be downloaded by a specially trained police officer and used as evidence when crimes are committed against drivers.

The first cameras have been installed in 17 Hackney Carriages and Private Hire vehicles - all chosen at random.

Inspector David Brooks, who has helped start the scheme, said he hoped the cameras would make taxi drivers feel safer.

Visual evidence

"We hope that the taxi drivers in the city are encouraged by this scheme and our commitment to tackle crimes against them.

"Often, when an incident occurs in a taxi, it is one word against another.

The Taxicam will provide visual evidence that will help prove or disprove an allegation."

The first 17 cameras have been funded by the government, but Inspector Brooks said he hoped taxi drivers would buy their own cameras and join the scheme.

The scheme is a partnership between the police, Peterborough City Council and local businesses.