Council set to adopt restricted operator, vehicle and private hire driver licences

Telford and Wrekin Council is on track to approve a new policy introducing restricted private hire licences aimed specifically at drivers and operators working on contracted services, such as school transport. 

According to reports, under the new Restricted Operator, Vehicle and Private Hire Driver Licences Policy, applicants will be able to secure licences that limit them to pre-agreed, non-public hire work—routes such as local education transport contracts—while prohibiting traditional private hire journeys arranged via phone calls or app-based systems.

In recognition of the reduced enforcement and administrative requirements associated with these restricted operations, the Council will offer these licences at lower fees than standard dual driver licences, with a one-year licence priced at £112 and a three-year licence at £130.

Alongside this licensing reform, the Council has also agreed to amend its rules regarding vehicle window tints. The updated requirement permits factory-fitted privacy glass with a minimum of 30% light transmission behind the B-pillar, while maintaining the ban on after-market tinting—bringing the policy in line with both the Department for Transport guidance and the practices of neighbouring authorities like Wolverhampton and Shropshire.

Previously, a 34% requirement had posed a barrier for drivers seeking to licence vehicles with manufacturer-standard tints, and the new regulation is expected to ease the cost burden, reducing the tendency of drivers to seek licences from out-of-area authorities with looser restrictions.

The Council has highlighted that the local private hire industry is currently facing challenges in attracting new drivers, intensified by growing competition from food and parcel delivery jobs.