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Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Taxi Vehicle Rear Window Tint

Committee members are recommended to consider if the current taxi policy tint limit as detailed in our Taxi Policy and Handbook, that states that the limit on the rear windows of vehicles should be a 30% tint (70% light transmission), should continue to be enforced for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Taxi vehicles.

Decision type: Non-key - Low

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Notice of proposed decision first published: 20/05/2019

Decision due: 8 Jul 2019 by Licensing Committee

Contact: Wangari Njiiri, Environmental Health and Licensing Support Team Leader Email: Wangari.Njiiri@cambridge.gov.uk.

Additional Information: This item will automatically appear on the agenda.

Background Information: The Taxi Trade have recently requested for the current Taxi vehicle window tint requirement to be re-considered. Tinted windows or privacy glass as it is often known was not traditionally factory fitted to vehicles, with tinted films usually being applied after they had been purchased. However, tinted windows have become more commonly fitted to vehicles as standard, partly for cosmetic reasons but mainly for the practical reason as they are more energy efficient especially as hybrid and electric vehicles become more common. With the current City Council aim of having all new Licensed Saloon Vehicles to be Zero or Ultra-Low Emission with effect from 1 April 2020 and a for all Licensed Saloon Vehicles to be Zero or Ultra-Low Emission by December 2028. Taxi trade have communicated that it is proving to be very difficult to purchase Zero or Ultra-Low Emission vehicles that meet with the current tint requirement.