Taxi drivers may feel that having surveillance cameras installed in their vehicles is an invasion of privacy, but their clients welcome this proposal because they would feel more secure. Ariadne Massa gets the lowdown on the taxi reform unveiled last Friday.

Godwin Delmar, taxi driver, from Attard

I believe in discipline, but having more taxis on the road is worrying me because in winter we struggle to make ends meet. In summer we try to make up for it by working up to 14 hours a day, but it's not easy.

Authorities should also clamp down on some 30 or so people who operate a taxi service with their private cars but are unlicensed because they have a criminal record. Things have improved in recent years but unfortunately we've had a bad reputation. There are bad apples everywhere.

Christian Spiteri, from Għaxaq

I use buses to get around, because despite numerous defects with the service, for me it's the best mode of transport - taxis are too expensive to get around.

At weekends, I call the non-white taxis and share a ride home with friends. It's more cost-effective.

I agree with having closed-circuit cameras in taxis - it's safer for both passengers and drivers.

Ksenia Ozerova, from Russia

I'm in Malta for 12 weeks and I don't use taxis because they're too expensive. I prefer public transport. At weekends, getting home can be a problem, because the buses don't run so late.

However, I'd choose walking back to my residence in Msida over paying for a taxi ride home - Malta is safe. Also, I don't find having a camera installed in a taxi invasive - I'd feel more secure.

Lara Gauci, from Żurrieq

I don't drive but I only use taxis at weekends because I share a ride home with my friends - we usually fork out €30 between four of us. Otherwise, it's unaffordable.

With regard to the closed-circuit camera, I don't see it as an invasion of privacy; rather it makes me feel safer.

John and Merran Adams, from Sydney

We arrived in Malta on Saturday and were very pleased to find an efficient taxi service available at the airport. We were taken to the hotel by a gentle Maltese driver - it was a good ride.

Closed-circuit cameras could be another example of Big Brother is watching, but having said that, in Sydney cameras were installed because of the violent attacks against taxi drivers.

Ivan Aquilina, taxi driver, from Msida

Reform is good but I'm worried about the increase in the number of licences. Competition for us has already increased through open-top buses, the route bus and boats crossing the harbour, so this will be another blow.

Maltese only use taxis at weekends because it's not affordable for anyone on a minimum wage. Maltese youngsters use taxis and we try to settle an advantageous price beforehand so we don't take up all their pocket money. But will we be able to do this and charge less than what the meter says once the closed-circuit cameras are installed? Also, I see this business of having a camera installed as an invasion of passengers' privacy.