Changes for Telford taxi windows put forward

Telford & Wrekin Council is currently consulting on plans to change the way taxis and their windows are regulated in the hope it could improve safety for those using the vehicles.

In its consultation, the council said it could improve safety for vulnerable people, lone passengers, females and children.

The suggestions hope to introduce regulations that will ensure any tinted windows are manufacture fitted and must allow the person inside to be seen from the outside, at any angle.

It said: "An increasing number of vehicles now come with standard manufacturer fitted tinted windows that would comply with the council’s current policy as they are factory fitted, but which are so dark that passengers cannot be seen from the outside.

"There is no legal requirement for how much light must pass through the rear windows of a car. There are a number of vehicle manufacturers that offer the option of very dark windows."

The council, which has the responsibility for the licensing of Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles, Drivers and Operators, says it wants to change its licensing to include rules to stop taxis from having totally black windows.

Consultation documents added: "The purpose of licensing the vehicles is for the provision of a safe and accessible service to the public, which includes the protection of children and vulnerable people.

"The reasons for having clear visibility in the rear of a licensed vehicle are that the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency states that excessively tinted glass restricts a driver’s vision, especially in dark conditions.

"This may prevent drivers from seeing other road users or pedestrians.

"Activities taking place in the vehicle cannot be viewed from the outside, posing both a risk to both passengers and driver.

"Enforcement officers need to see that the maximum number of passengers is not being exceeded. Vulnerable passengers such as lone females and young persons will feel safer in a vehicle where they can be seen."

The consultation is open to all and the council said that after the closing date of May 15, all received comments will be considered.

If there are any "adverse comments" a further report will be brought before members of the council’s licensing committee for determination.

It follows a number of safety measures implemented by Telford & Wrekin Council, which last year published a report into child sexual exploitation in the borough with a number of recommendations to protect children and vulnerable people from harm.

One of the recommendations was to give taxi drivers specific training to help them spot the signs of potential abuse – and bosses at Go Carz, the largest private hire firm in the Midlands, welcomed the move.

Robin Gibson, Go Carz director, said the firm already made sure drivers were given relevant training in Wolverhampton and were pleased to do the same in Shropshire.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that hundreds of drivers in the borough have now undertaken the training to spot the signs of abuse.

For more information or to view and comment on the proposals visit www.telford.gov.uk/info/20240/consultations/327/current_consultations