Taxis driver in Dudley will have to remove tinted windowsTaxi drivers will have to remove some tinted windows from their cabs in Dudley over safety concerns which have sparked outrage from industry officials.Drivers claimed they are being forced to shell out hundreds of pounds to replace factory-fitted windows on their vehicles because they do not meet council safety regulations.
There is a rule that at least 40 per cent of light must be able to travel through back windows of Hackney carriages and private hire taxis in order to be granted a licence by Dudley Council.
Council bosses have reviewed the practice ahead of a meeting on Tuesday but are planning on retaining the rules.
Officials will give drivers three months in which to have the windows changed before any sanctions are imposed.
The council previously said the rules helped passenger safety in the light of a child sexual exploitation review following issues in Rotherham.
Dudley Private Hire and Taxi Association chairman, Shaz Saleem, said: “I think it is scaremongering. There is no evidence of crimes relating to tinted windows.” Dudley Council strategic director, Alan Lunt, said in a report to the committee: “Dudley’s policy on tinted glass in private hire and hackney carriage vehicles has remained unchanged for many years, reflecting both the law and good practice.”
The meeting takes place from 5pm at Dudley Council House.
source:
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2016 ... d-windows/