Ottawa, Canada (AHN) - The City of Ottawa approved a law Thursday that required all taxis to install a security camera. The city gave the cab owners until July 2 to comply with the order or else their plates would be removed.

The city will loan $485 of the $1,185 cost of the camera with the balance shouldered by the owner or driver.

Collection of the interest-free loan would be done through brokers, plate owners and drivers and upon sale or transfer of the vehicle.

Susan Jones, director of Ottawa's bylaw services, said the law's goal is to provide safety for both passengers and drivers.t

Cab drivers protested against the requirement, but agreed to comply because it is a law. The camera is capable of recording images for a week.

To help the taxis offset the cost of the cameras as well as cope with rising fuel costs, Ottawa's community and protective services committee granted the cabs a 10 percent rate increase starting June 1. With the rate hike, flag down rate would go up to $3.20 from $2.90, plus a $0.15 surcharge for the camera. But the surcharge would only be allowed until October 2010.

Ottawa is Canada's capital city, where the federal government, parliament, senate and supreme court hold office. Over 7.3 million visitors, who are potential taxi passengers, visit the city annually, spending over $1.18 billion during their stay.