Plans are moving forward to fit CCTV cameras in Eastbourne taxi cabs to counter theft and violence against drivers.

Approval is being sought from licensing officials for in-car spy cameras to be installed in the seaside town.

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

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

It is hoped the cameras will deter passengers intent on theft and violence.

Approval for in-car CCTV has already been granted by Labour-held councils in Brighton and Hove and Hastings.

Now similar proposals for taxis and private hire vehicles are being considered by the Liberal Democrat-run Eastbourne Borough Council.

The council's licensing panel meets at the town hall in Grove Road on Wednesday to consider approval subject to a raft of conditions.

These include a stipulation that tamper-proof images may only be used as evidence in court or to rebut complaints against a driver.

Footage captured may only be accessed by the police, council officers or other people authorised by the head of environmental health.

Notices stating CCTV is operating will have to be displayed on passenger windows visible from the inside and outside.

The cost of the CCTV systems - estimated to be about £350 each - would be borne by the vehicle licence holders.

Two types of system are being considered.

One is self-contained with footage accessible only by authorised staff. The other transmits images to an operations centre.

Council bosses believe more drivers would work unsocial hours with the added security, which in turn would reduce street crime particularly in the town centre.

Douglas Lindsay, of the council's environmental health department, said fitting the cameras would give cabbies peace of mind.

He said: "A consequence of improved safety is an increased likelihood that drivers will be available for hire at unsocial hours."

The idea for in-car cameras came from a task group made up of passenger groups, taxi and private hire traders and Sussex Police.

The scheme has the backing of the police as well as the drivers themselves.

Mike Edwards, chairman of Sussex Cars in Pevensey Road, Eastbourne, said anything to boost security for cabbies would be welcomed.