Stafford Borough Council have no objections to the use of partitions/safety screens, provided that:
- the screen must comply with government and industry regulations and our requests as the Licensing Authority
- be clear and transparent and fit across the rear of both front seats, creating a partition between the front and rear cabin area of the vehicle
If any driver wishes to fit a protective screen, they must first notify the Licensing Authority in writing, either by email or by letter, including confirmation that the vehicle’s insurance will be amended to include the protective screen as fitted.
These must be genuine screens and should be fitted by a professional in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
The DVSA has advised that authorities should look at the suitability of the screen material to the Road Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 and whether it has an effect on side curtains, side seat air bags, seat belt restraints or any other safety systems if these are fitted.
Operators should be able to evidence that a product complies with government and industry regulations, as well as any additional requirements the licensing authority has, such as:
- assurance that the product is compliant with government and industry regulations, for example the Road Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations and relevant safety, UK and European Community (EC) legislation
- evidence that the product has been tested to relevant EU standards and approved by appropriate certification organisation
- directions about how screens should be fitted, for example, by a professional in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions - screens should not be fitted by the drivers themselves
- specification of what screens should be constructed of, for example, PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified) or polycarbonate
- screens should not impede the driver’s vision, movement or communication with passengers, or the driver or passenger access or egress to the vehicle
- insurers should be notified of any modifications made to the vehicle
- confirmation from the manufacturer that the installation does not compromise the integrity of the vehicle’s structure and safety features