Telford and Wrekin Council introduces restricted private hire licensing policy to help supply school transport
- Perry Richardson
- May 12
- 2 min read
Telford and Wrekin Council look set to approve a new policy to introduce restricted private hire licences, aimed at drivers and operators working on contracted services such as school transport.
The Licensing Committee will meet on 13 May 2025 to formalise the move. The new Restricted Operator, Vehicle and Private Hire Driver Licences Policy will allow applicants to apply for licences limited to pre-agreed, non-public hire work. This includes routes such as local education transport contracts. These licences will not permit traditional private hire journeys booked through phone calls or app-based systems.
The restricted driver licences will be offered with lower fees than standard dual driver licences, recognising the reduced enforcement and administrative requirements. A one-year restricted licence will cost £112, while a three-year version will be £130.
Alongside this, the Council has agreed to amend its current licensing rules around vehicle window tints. The new requirement allows factory-fitted privacy glass with at least 30% light transmission behind the B-pillar. After-market tinting remains prohibited. This brings the Council’s policy in line with Department for Transport guidance and neighbouring authorities such as Wolverhampton and Shropshire.
Officers noted that the previous 34% requirement had become a barrier for drivers seeking to licence vehicles with manufacturer-standard tints. The change is expected to ease the cost burden on the trade and reduce the number of drivers seeking licences from out-of-area authorities where tint restrictions are more lenient.
The Council highlighted the difficulty the local private hire industry faces in attracting new drivers. With the growing competition from food and parcel delivery jobs, it is hoped that the revised policy and fees will make Telford a more attractive area to obtain a licence.
The move aims to expand the local fleet while retaining oversight through enforceable conditions. Licensing Committee members agreed the changes would help address driver shortages and support local employment.
