TINT RESTRICTIONS
Ok so why is this such an issue? As we all know, there is a nationwide push towards entry age limits and expiry dates of vehicles, and of course electric or hybrid vehicles with Clean Air Zone charges being imple- mented in various areas across the UK.
There are very few modern vehicles, or vehicles above the very basic models that do not come with rear tinted windows as standard, in fact many vehicle manufacturers even have rear tinted windows as standard on their very basic models.
Indeed, in the case of most of those modern vehicles, there is no clear glass option available at all. So those local authorities with such restrictions must make a choice; do they want mod- ern stylish cars, or old, basic vehicles with little to no passenger comfort options? Do they want newer, cleaner vehicles or not?
Why are vehicles moving to tinted rear windows? • Darkened rear windows reduce UV rays and therefore improve passenger health and safety.
• Reducing the level of light passing through rear windows reduces glare and therefore improves passenger comfort.
• Reduction of the amount of sunlight passing through rear windows reduces the heat within the vehicle, which then reduces the need to use air conditioning, which in turn improves fuel economy, therefore reducing harmful emissions.
Hang on, improves health and safety, passenger comfort AND reduces emissions!! So, what have those local authorities got against such improvements? Surely the goal is for a better passenger experience AND reducing emissions, isn’t it?
Is this really such a problem? Yes, as explained previously, in most cases there is no clear glass option at all, in the case where there is an option, it is still a vehicle modification which could void the vehicle warranty, and potentially void the insurance too, since the vehicle no longer has manufacturer specifications, the modi- fication made being classed as structural.
And that’s before even considering the modification costs, which can be as much as £1,000 per vehicle. Then add to that the difficulty in sourcing a vehicle, which is Euro 6 AND does not have tinted rear windows.
OK, so what is the solution? There are various solutions available to resolve this problem.
1. Scrap any window tint restrictions! Ok, this is not likely to happen. The view from our industry will be split, with some not recognising why this is an issue, and wondering why drivers would not want the rear glass to be clear; versus those who see the problem, those who transport executive type customers who do not wish to be
JULY 2021
in a goldfish bowl; and of course those who are more environmentally conscious and see the emissions issue.
More importantly it would create the eventuality of market tints or plastic sheeting being stuck on to glass - which if not done properly looks awful, and even when done profes- sionally, is not liked by fire services because it can create an issue in the event of an accident as it makes it more difficult to gain entry to the vehicle to save you.
2. Allow manufacturers tinted glass! Indeed, the vehicle is designed and built with construction and use compliant glass, for safety, strength, and structure, why in the world would anyone want to change them?
3. Allow CCTV to be installed! Now there’s an option, and we are not for one second sug- gesting mandatory CCTV, as that’s a completely different topic, with a whole different set of regulations, which we have covered before and will no doubt cover again.
But if there was a choice made available to vehicle owners to either change the glass OR install CCTV (not a dashcam since they are not CCTV as stated by Milton Keynes Council), in order to have the vehicle of their choice, then this would resolve all options and concerns.
What are the benefits of installing CCTV? • There would be no structural change to the vehicle, so as opposed to potentially voiding insurance, you might actually obtain insurance discounts.
• There would be no effect on vehicle warranty since the structure has not been modified.
• The safety of both drivers and passengers would be improved far more than could ever be achieved by simply having clear glass.
• If there were any reports or incidents, the event would have been captured without having to hope and pray that some- body somewhere happened to be walking past the scene at the time.
• The costs would be reduced since in most cases it is far more affordable to install CCTV than it is to replace all rear glass in vehicles.
• The saving would be further increased in the event of any incident as the need for interviews, committee hearings, court appeals and legal fees would be massively reduced,
• Drivers and passengers would feel safer, and council time would be saved.
• Councils do not have to completely reverse their views, merely amend them slightly to achieve a better result.
• Drivers will not be severely hindered in the options available when purchasing a newer vehicle due to nothing more than a local opinion.
It really is an ideal solution for all concerned. 7
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