Taxi Driver Online

Anger at dark-windows ruling

COUNCILLORS have voted in favour of allowing a limo firm to keep its tinted windows – even though every other taxi firm is banned from using them.

Calderdale Council Licensing and Regulatory Committee’s ruling has been branded unfair, with Amanda Hardacre, who runs Vinny’s, of Pellon, Halifax, claiming the decision represents one rule for one and another for everyone else.

Heavily tinted glazing and window film were outlawed by the council in May 2004 to protect passengers from possible abuse.

But Michael Rathmell, of Connex Travel, Brighouse, has been allowed to keep the privacy glass fitted to the rear side windows of his new Mercedes Viano.

The committee voted to renew Mr Rathmell’s exemption, which was first agreed around 12 months ago, on the grounds that the vehicle is used for executive chauffering for corporate clients, rather than late night private hire.

Grenville Horsfall, who chaired the committee, said the car in question was specially fitted with four easy chairs, a table and a wine cabinet, and was only for transporting businessmen.

Mr Horsfall said: “Connex Travel only do pre-arranged journeys. If taxis picking people up from ranks or the street have blacked out windows you cannot see what is going on inside. It is unsafe, especially for young women.”

But Mrs Hardacre said her company only did contract work such as airport runs and none of their cars was more than 18 months old.

She said: “We are basically doing the same thing as Connex Travel.

“It is one rule for them and another for us.”

That sentiment was echoed by a number of councillors on the committee.

Mohammed Najib (Lab, Park) said: “If somebody challenges this I think it would be difficult to defend. Other companies might ask why they can’t if this guy can.”

Stephen Smithies, secretary of Halifax Taxi Owners Association, said he saw a clear difference between Connex Travel and other taxi firms such as hackney carriages, but said there was little difference with some private-hire cars.

He added: “But I have never seen the need for blacked-out windows anyway.”

Mr Rathmell said he did not have time to comment at present.

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Nice to see a councillor who has such faith in the people he considers 'fit and proper'.

ffs

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

The Minicabs in London run about with tinted windows, in some cases they're so dark the disc is unreadable.

The LTDA has now made representations to TFL over this, as if real London Taxi obscured their plate, all hell would break loose.

'we want parity' they bleat?

Not in a Million years.

When you say 'the minicabs' I'm assuming you mean some London licensed private hire vehicles?

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IDFIMH

Yes, I mean the Minicabs.

i can't see the problem with tinted glasses on the rear side and back windows ..its no different than having curtains up or blinds

Well I suppose it's better than the grime blocking the windows of the TXs.

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IDFIMH