The Licensing and Appeals Committee of Manchester City Council met on Monday 14 September 2026 to discuss requests for exemptions from the Council's Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) policy regarding rear passenger window light transmittance. The committee approved the delegation of future exemption applications to the Chair of the Licensing and Appeals Committee and the Head of Service for Licensing, under specific conditions.

Requests for Exemption from Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Policy

The committee considered several requests for exemptions from the Council's Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) policy, specifically concerning the minimum light transmittance of rear passenger windows. The current policy requires a minimum of 30% visible light transmission (VLT) to ensure passenger safety and visibility for enforcement officers and the public.

BYD Seal U Comfort DM-i Exemption Request

An application was presented for a 2025 BYD Seal U Comfort DM-i, which failed the licensing inspection due to its rear door window glass having a VLT of 20%. The applicant argued that this was a standard factory-fitted specification, that no alternative clear replacement windows were available in the UK, and that similar vehicles licensed by neighbouring authorities operated within Manchester. The applicant highlighted the financial hardship caused by the inability to license the vehicle and requested reconsideration of the decision and a review of the Council's policy. The report noted that refusing such vehicles could hinder the adoption of newer, greener models and conflict with the city's zero-carbon targets.

Toyota bZ4X Exemption Request

A similar request was made for a 2025 Toyota bZ4X, a fully electric vehicle, which also failed the inspection due to its rear side windows not meeting the 30% VLT requirement. The applicant stated that the dark privacy glass was a standard factory-fitted feature designed to reduce cabin heat and maximise electric range, and that clear replacement glass was unavailable. The applicant requested a temporary, time-limited licence to allow them to work while exploring custom glass fabrication or a policy review. The report reiterated the environmental benefits of licensing such vehicles and the potential conflict with the city's carbon-reduction ambitions.

Future Requests for Exemption

The committee also considered a report on the delegation of future applications for exemptions from the PHV specifications regarding rear passenger window light transmittance. The report recommended that such applications be delegated to the Chair of the Licensing and Appeals Committee in conjunction with the Head of Service for Licensing, provided that the vehicle failed solely due to window tint levels exceeding the Council's standards, the windows were original manufacturer standard, and the failure was supported by documented evidence of the VLT.

The Principal Licensing Officer explained that many modern vehicles have lower than 30% VLT as standard, and altering this could affect a vehicle's warranty. It was also noted that inconsistent standards across different local authorities could lead to drivers being licensed elsewhere and operating in Manchester. The committee discussed the need for a full review in consultation with the taxi trade, members, and the police.

Decision: The committee approved that future exemption applications of this nature would be delegated to the Chair of the Licensing and Appeals Committee and the Head of Service for Licensing for determination, subject to the specified conditions. This decision was made to streamline the process and reduce administrative burdens, while retaining the committee's responsibility for setting policy and determining complex cases.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16 March 2026. These minutes included a decision to approve the Street Trading Review Policy for public consultation.