ROUND THE COUNCILS
TELFORD & WREKIN WINDOW TINT RULES RELAXED
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 13 May that road- legal tints still allow sufficient lighting for somebody who is in the rear of the vehicle in terms of silhouettes to be seen from outside the vehicle. 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.
PHTM JUNE 2025
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.
PERTH AND KINROSS: VIEWS SOUGHT ON LICENCE CAP
Perth and Kinross Council has launched a public consultation to gauge opinions on the current cap of 80 taxi licences in the city, citing a significant increase in unmet demand. The move follows an “Unmet Demand Survey” which highlighted longer passenger wait times compared to pre-pandemic levels and continued difficulties for disabled users, particularly wheelchair users. The survey’s findings indicate a “significant demand for the services of taxis in Perth that is not met,” recommending an increase of 24 licences to address the issue. This has prompted the council to consider two potential options: increasing the limit by 24 or removing the cap entirely, allowing for an “unlimited” number of licences. At a Licensing Committee Meeting on March 25, 2025, councillors agreed to seek the views of both the public and the taxi trade before making a decision. The council emphasised the importance of this feedback, stating: “We are making sure everyone’s voice is heard before a decision can be made about which option the council should adopt.” The consultation also seeks input on the types of vehicles that should be prioritised for any new licences issued, such as wheelchair accessible vehicles or electric vehicles. The council acknowledges that any change to the current licensing limit “will have an impact on people who currently have a taxi,” underscoring the need for broad engagement. The feedback gathered will be crucial in shaping a report to the Licensing Committee, which will ultimately decide on the number of additional taxi licences and any potential vehicle restrictions. Members of the public and the taxi trade are encouraged to participate in the short consultation via the link provided:
https://shorturl.at/VOEXP. Their input will play a vital role in determining the future of taxi services in Perth.
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