NEW rules are to be brought in to stop taxi drivers fitting tinted windows in their cars because enforcement officers can't see what is going on inside.

The regulations could be brought in after a meeting of Hyndburn Council's cabinet after it was revealed that a number of cars were being presented for testing with blacked-out windows.

It is feared that the tinting could stop council officers seeing how many passengers are being carried, and could even lead to road accidents. The tinting could also be in breach of road vehicle regulations and could prevent people witnessing attacks on the driver.

Now the strict rules will be enforced on any new vehicles taken in for licensing.

A European Directive laid down in the 1980s states that the windscreen and front side windows must let more than 75 per cent of light through.

Police in East Lancashire have already launched a clampdown on ordinary vehicles after buying equipment which can measure the level of tint in windscreens.

Coun Peter Britcliffe, leader of the council and portfolio holder for the environment, said: "It breaks regulations, for instance we need to see how many people are inside a taxi.

"If they have the windows tinted it would make it more difficult for our licensing officers. Officers are worried by this and it does break the regulations.

"The basic reason is, it's important to be able to see inside taxis, for the safety of passengers and drivers."

If the regulations are passed by the council, a condition will be added to the 'testing manual' followed by the council. Officers will then use an electronic testing device to measure amounts of light passing through a window.

The condition will apply to all vehicles licensed for the first time after June 1 and to vehicles currently licensed which have been modified with a window tinting kit.

Cars currently licensed, and with a manufacturer's tinted windows, will not be affected.

Coun Tim O'Kane, the Labour spokesman for licensing issues, said: "It does make sense. You have got to ask, why put tinted windows in? With all the other things that a taxi has to comply with, to actually spend money on tinting them doesn't make much sense."