Letter to Peter Hendy About Blacked-out Windows In Minicabs

According to the Private Hire consultation results shown in last months PHC magazine, TfL/LTPH have no intention of changing their stance on blacked out windows. 

John Mason once famously said, "Its not about the money".

Well this no longer seems the case.

After 370 horrendous rapes and serious sexual assaults in minicabs over the last three years, these MEN at TfL/LTPH do not see anything wrong with blacked out windows. Probably because they fear a legal challenge from large operators such as Addison Lee. 

Neither do the 6 cab enforcement officers who don't work week ends.

Below is a letter sent to TfL commissar Peter Hendy and the frivolous answer from John Mason. 

Dear Mr Hendy,

Peter Hendy

I know you are a very busy person. However, maybe you could take the time on such an important issue to perhaps respond to my fears and worries, or at the very least, have your department deal with my one question. A response from you personally would be a clearer indication of your own views and concerns, but if you do not have the time, then so be it, for whatever reason.

I have grave concerns for the safety of the vulnerable travelling public in Minicabs/Private-Hire Vehicles in London due to their Heavily Blacked out Windows. Concerns about Sexual Assault and Rape can be seen on your own statistics which are published on TFL’s own w/site, (From the document: Private Hire Consultation).

It is also evident from this document that you, TFL have further concerns about many other factors regarding Minicab/Private Hire Drivers, this can also be seen in the very same Consultation Document.

Therefore, and taking the above into consideration, I am asking that you seriously consider removing all heavily blacked out windows in Minicabs/Private Hire Vehicles in the interests of the vulnerable public, as they serve no real purpose other than a fashion accessory. I also believe windows of this type should not be allowed in a Transport Infrastructure such as Transport for London, especially with statistics the way they are in minicabs.

To continue to allow these types of windows in Minicabs/Private Hire Vehicles could be seen as throwing petrol onto a smouldering flame and also, could attract more undesirable people to become minicab drivers in the future, especially since "Enhanced" CRB Checks are to be watered down. Lastly in this area, I welcome your letter to The Home Office voicing your concerns regarding CRB checks.

Also, what I find very worrying is that in 2002 (When minicabs were first licensed) it was very evident that there was a serious problem in relation to Sexual Assaults and Rape in Minicabs/Private-Hire. This can further be seen in an article from the BBC: Rape and Sexual Assaults, 2002 However, now, in 2010, several years later, the statistics remain very similar: Rape and Sexual Assaults up 54% in 2009/2010 Although the statistics are down slightly since 2002, I still feel that it is just not good common sense to continue to allow these windows.

In retrospect, if you could be so kind, I would like to ask you why Heavily Blacked out Windows were, and still are allowed when we have statistics like these from the past, 2002 and the present 2010? Maybe you feel that heavily blacked out windows are acceptable, if so, then maybe you can justify why you, Head of Transport for London feel they are acceptable in a London Transport Infrastructure? This is my only one question to you

Sir: Why, with the past and present statistics have TFL allowed Heavily Blacked out Windows in Minicabs/Private Hire?

I have written to your Director of Taxi and Private Hire, John Mason voicing my concerns. And in retro, he has been so kind as to take the time to write back to me on two separate occasions. In his first response he clearly states, in his own words: "its worth pointing out that there is no evidence that sexual offences are linked to tinted windows" and in his second response: "I am not sure what you mean exactly but when I said “there is no evidence”, that is that having liaised with the Met and City Police they indicated that there is no link to the assaults that take place and vehicles with tinted windows" Mr Hendy, my concern is that you are possibly waiting for some type of evidence to arise before you see this problem? I am even more worried that you possibly cannot "see" that it is not good practice to allow these heavily blacked out windows for obvious reasons.

Mr Hendy, I believe, sooner or later heavily blacked out windows coupled with Sexual Assaults and Rape in London will come to the attention of the Press and General Public, and in so doing so, bring to the forefront the very people that choose to ignore these windows and allow them as acceptable. So, before the situation gets to that point, and in retrospect, I ask you again to consider putting together a plan to remove these heavily blacked out windows from The Transport for London Infrastructure as soon as possible. I am also wondering that maybe, just maybe Heavily Blacked out Windows in Minicabs/Private Hire was "overlooked" from the onset, (The very first vehicle) and now this very serious problem has escalated beyond repair?

Lastly, I have no objection to Tinted Windows as they can act as a coolant in the summer, even though most of Private Hire Vehicles are fitted with Air-Conditioning. Tinted Windows can also be of benefit in decreasing anti-glare. I also believe heavily blacked out windows is a further safety issue to other road users and pedestrians. This being, as it must be very difficult for the drivers of these vehicles to be able to have a clear vision outside of their vehicles, when driving, especially late at night, thus accidents can be caused. Cyclists and pedestrians being most vulnerable.

I believe that in the Minicab/Private Hire Trade there needs to be a definition between Heavily Blacked out Windows and Tinted Windows, with a possible grading structure, but that’s not for me to say...

My question is this: Why was and indeed are, Heavily Blacked out Windows in minicabs allowed with the statistics you have at hand?

Yours Sincerely,


Xxxxxxxxxx


Letter Passed to John Mason to Answer...

Dear Xxxxxxxxxx,

John Mason

Thank you for your email to Peter Hendy, Helen and myself regarding the recent case you have highlighted and tinted windows in private hire vehicles. As Director of London Taxi and Private Hire, Mr Hendy asked me to respond to you directly.

Firstly, like you, we were very saddened by this horrific incident. We hold the view that just one incident is one too many and we remain committed to working with our colleagues in the Met and City Police to tackle this problem.

With regards to this particular case I can confirm that the driver involved in this was not licensed by TfL and we do not have a licensed vehicle registered in the name of this driver.

I note your comments with regards to tinted windows and, in particular “heavily tinted” windows however our position on this remain unchanged and is covered in the primary legislation relating to the licensing of private hire vehicles in London. As I understand it, during the consultation on the legislation there were discussions on whether additional restrictions should be applied in relation to window tints but this was not included in the passed regulation. As such there are no additional restrictions on the use of tinted windows by licensed private hire vehicles in London other than they must comply with the relevant laws and regulations that govern them. Any vehicle with tinted windows that do not comply with the Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986 are subject to failure at licensing.

It remains that any member of the travelling public that does not wish to book a private hire vehicle with tinted windows can demand this when booking and that there is no evidence to suggest that vehicles with tinted windows are a contributory factor to cab related sexual assaults.

I hope this provides you with the information you required.

John Mason

Director - Taxi & Private Hire

4th Floor Yellow

Palestra

197 Blackfriars Road. London. SE1 8NJ