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Posted on the 16th May 2025 in PHTM News
TELFORD AND WREKIN COUNCIL EASES WINDOW TINT RULES IN BID TO BOOST DRIVER NUMBERS
Taxi drivers licensed by Telford & Wrekin Council will no longer be required to remove factory-fitted tinted windows, councillors have decided.
The move aims to ease burdens on drivers and potentially increase the number of taxis operating in the borough.
The licensing committee heard on Tuesday 13 May that road-legal tints still allow passengers to be seen in silhouette from outside the vehicle, ensuring sufficient visibility.
A council official explained: "Road legal tints still allow sufficient lighting for somebody who is in the rear in terms of silhouettes to be visible."
The newly adopted policy specifically bans "after-market tints."
Council officers expressed confidence that public safety would not be compromised by the change, which also brings Telford & Wrekin in line with neighbouring councils and national "best practice."
An officer told the committee: "The view from officers is that in effect it poses no risk to public safety."
They added that removing factory tints can be more difficult than other types of tint, and the previous requirement might have deterred some drivers. "If you are a driver and you have a road legal vehicle one of the things that might put you off is the fact that you’ve got this issue that you have got to sort out," the official noted.
The committee was informed that increasing the number of private hire vehicles would be beneficial for residents, particularly in areas where it is currently "difficult to get private hire vehicles."
While acknowledging that the council cannot profit from taxi licensing, members were told that an increase in licensed drivers could potentially lower overall costs. "It’s not a race to the bottom, we’re not seeking to open the floodgates," councillors were assured.
Furthermore, the council believes that licensing more cabs within its jurisdiction will enhance its regulatory control. Drivers working in Telford but licensed elsewhere can be referred back to their licensing authority.
An officer stated that Telford and Wrekin Council aims to be "business supporting and business winning" and hopes this policy change will make it a more attractive option for drivers.
However, Councillor Karen Tomlinson expressed concerns about operators from outside the area conducting business in Telford, but was informed that "we are where we are" with taxi deregulation.
The committee also approved the creation of a specialist restricted licence for drivers wishing to work solely on school or social transport, a move officials hope will attract even more drivers.
Currently, Telford & Wrekin licenses 300 vehicles, 350 drivers, and 24 operators.
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