CCTV cameras could soon be filming passengers in taxis and private hire cars to counter violence against cabbies in Eastbourne.

Drivers have raised concerns about their safety, particularly during weekend night shifts when carrying drunk passengers.

Some have been attacked and threatened, while others have fallen victim to passengers fleeing before paying.

Now, a plan to install £350 CCTV cameras has been tabled by a task group led by Lib Dem-run Eastbourne Borough Council.

Footage could be used against offenders in court and cab firms hope the cameras will curb the threat of violence.

Mike Edwards, chairman of Sussex Cars, in Pevensey Road, Eastbourne, said some drivers were reluctant to work on Friday and Saturday nights for fear of being attacked.

But he believes installing cameras would give drivers reassurance and act as a deterrent to anyone bent on causing trouble.

He said: "Anything to help drivers feel safer has got to be welcomed and I believe having CCTV cameras in cars would go some way towards that.

"It would be a preventative measure. Passengers who know they are being caught on camera are less likely to give you trouble.

"It would be helpful for grants to be made available to cover at least some of the cost of the cameras, which will be between £200 and £350."

The idea for CCTV cameras came from the task group made up of passenger groups, taxi and private hire traders and Sussex Police.

Other suggestions put forward include better wheelchair access and more cars at night to reduce passenger waiting time.

Cab bosses said large numbers of people spilling out on to Eastbourne's streets at theatre, pub and night club closing times created the potential for violence.

Coun Bert Leggett, the borough council's cabinet spokesman for environmental health, said: "It is clearly important all of us do what we can to improve services to residents and visitors.

"The taxi and private hire trade is a vital part of Eastbourne's transport infrastructure and a lifeline to many people."

Installing CCTV cameras is the centrepiece of the task group's proposals.

They are already in place in some taxis and private hire cars in Hastings and St Leonards.

The cameras are activated by the opening of a door or by a panic button based near the driver. Images are fed to a central system accessed only by police and council officers.