Limousines
We dont' do them.....but we would like to offer the following information.
We dont' do them.....but we would like to offer the following information.
So you want to hire a stretched limousine. Great, that should be fun. And you have seen the adverts in the Yellow Pages or the advertisment in the local paper. But did you know that unless the operator, vehicle and driver are licensed then you could be hiring a death trap.
The taxi & private-hire trade have many years traded under strict regulations and bye-laws. However the limousine trade has operated with no such regulations that controls vehicle and driver safety. Because of this the limousine trade has rapidly grown over the years with the huge rise of imported American limo's. When originally imported the owner had to sign a declaration that the vehicle was for private use. But of course, once sold on (and very quickly) the new owner was free to do whatever they wanted with the vehicle.
As the limousine trade grew, along with the American type "proms" taking place, an ever increasing band of one-man operators grew. It was very easy to but a cheap imported limousine and start up a weekend business because there were no laws preventing the cowboys from operating. Even the professional side of the trade was unable to call themselves legitimate and the cowboy operators were now giving the professionals a very bad name.
The taxi & private-hire trade have many years traded under strict regulations and bye-laws. However the limousine trade has operated with no such regulations that controls vehicle and driver safety. Because of this the limousine trade has rapidly grown over the years with the huge rise of imported American limo's. When originally imported the owner had to sign a declaration that the vehicle was for private use. But of course, once sold on (and very quickly) the new owner was free to do whatever they wanted with the vehicle.
As the limousine trade grew, along with the American type "proms" taking place, an ever increasing band of one-man operators grew. It was very easy to but a cheap imported limousine and start up a weekend business because there were no laws preventing the cowboys from operating. Even the professional side of the trade was unable to call themselves legitimate and the cowboy operators were now giving the professionals a very bad name.
Additionally, in the USA there are strict regulations for properly authorised vehicle convertors under Lincoln QVM and Cadillac CMC specifications. See here for more details.
Fortunately new UK limousine laws now apply and there a now two ways that a professional limousine company can operate:
PHV licensed by a local council PSV O Licence issued by VOSA
It is very well documented by VOSA that the operation of stretch limos with the capability of carrying more than eight passengers is absolutely illegal. The law is very clear on this. There are NO 'grey areas' that cowboy limo operators talk about.
PHV licensed by a local council PSV O Licence issued by VOSA
It is very well documented by VOSA that the operation of stretch limos with the capability of carrying more than eight passengers is absolutely illegal. The law is very clear on this. There are NO 'grey areas' that cowboy limo operators talk about.
So, if you would like to hire a limousine then ask the operator if the limousines are licensed under PHV or PSV. A professional operator will be only too pleased to offer this information. A vehicle which can carry more than eight people for hire & reward is, in law, classed as a PSV and must be taxed, tested (Class 6 PSV) and most important of all have a Certificate of Initial Fitness (COIF) to prove it is fit for the purpose it is being used for. All minibuses, buses and coaches have them if they are used to carry fare paying passengers.
Currently only TWO types of limo are able to pass this test. One is the Executive Coachbuilders Ford Excursion. These are new and not widely available . Even if you had one of these, you would have to have a PSV Operators Licence to be able to use it.
A 16 seat Hummer based limo, the Hummerzine, has now passed the COIF requirements and will available for sale. This will mean that for existing Hummers if they can carry more than eight passengers they will be being used illegally.
Some operators are offering these, and other mega capacity limos, for hire as Self Drive, then supplying a driver. By doing this, the hire immediately becomes 'Hire & Reward' and the vehicle, driver and owner are all breaking the law. So if you intend to buy an eight+ seat limo and hire it out as 'Self Drive' (because it is not certifiable as a PSV) the hirer has to source the driver. Also, self drive regulations only cover up to 16 passengers plus the driver. Once you are over this capacity, you are exclusively in PSV territory so steer well clear of vehicles advertised as being able to carry over that amount. As stated above, those are the only PSV legal specification limousines available. There have been court cases involving operators overloading their limos.
So, if you would like to hire a limousine then ask the operator if the limousines are licensed under PHV or PSV. A professional operator will be only too pleased to offer this information.
Currently only TWO types of limo are able to pass this test. One is the Executive Coachbuilders Ford Excursion. These are new and not widely available . Even if you had one of these, you would have to have a PSV Operators Licence to be able to use it.
A 16 seat Hummer based limo, the Hummerzine, has now passed the COIF requirements and will available for sale. This will mean that for existing Hummers if they can carry more than eight passengers they will be being used illegally.
Some operators are offering these, and other mega capacity limos, for hire as Self Drive, then supplying a driver. By doing this, the hire immediately becomes 'Hire & Reward' and the vehicle, driver and owner are all breaking the law. So if you intend to buy an eight+ seat limo and hire it out as 'Self Drive' (because it is not certifiable as a PSV) the hirer has to source the driver. Also, self drive regulations only cover up to 16 passengers plus the driver. Once you are over this capacity, you are exclusively in PSV territory so steer well clear of vehicles advertised as being able to carry over that amount. As stated above, those are the only PSV legal specification limousines available. There have been court cases involving operators overloading their limos.
So, if you would like to hire a limousine then ask the operator if the limousines are licensed under PHV or PSV. A professional operator will be only too pleased to offer this information.
Is this limo you are intending to hire legal?
However, this did not stop other limousine manufacturers in the USA from constructing vehicles outside the specifications by QVM and CMC. So how does anyone know as to what specifications the older, imported limousines have been constructed to? How do you know that the "P" registration limo you are hiring is simply a cheap cut-and-shut?
January 26 2009
A CHAUFFEUR with a £15,000 pink limo has been prosecuted for not having the right licence to carry stag do passengers.
Shirley Forrest, 25, picked up three men from the Hollywood Bowl, Ashton under Lyne, in the limo - minutes later the trio revealed themselves to be a police officer and two council enforcement officers.
It was the second time she had been targeted in an undercover `sting'. The first time she escaped prosecution after it emerged limousine drivers do not need operators' licences to pick up wedding parties. On that occasion, she picked up a wedding party - only to recognise the `bride' as a council licensing officer.
A CHAUFFEUR with a £15,000 pink limo has been prosecuted for not having the right licence to carry stag do passengers.
Shirley Forrest, 25, picked up three men from the Hollywood Bowl, Ashton under Lyne, in the limo - minutes later the trio revealed themselves to be a police officer and two council enforcement officers.
It was the second time she had been targeted in an undercover `sting'. The first time she escaped prosecution after it emerged limousine drivers do not need operators' licences to pick up wedding parties. On that occasion, she picked up a wedding party - only to recognise the `bride' as a council licensing officer.
This time, she pleaded guilty to not having an operating licence. Tameside magistrates gave her a 12-month conditional discharge, six points and a £500 fine. Ms Forrest, who now works at a nursery, said: "It's bizarre that I can pick up a wedding party without an operators' licence, but need it if I want to do a hen party or stag do.
"I now know I shouldn't have agreed to pick up the stag party without the right paperwork but I did so out of desperation. I had spent a fortune on the car, on insurance and trying to get it licensed, and the finance company were saying they were going to re-possess it. I thought I could offer a safe way for young girls to travel in style."
Tameside councillor Catherine Piddington said: "We would urge anyone thinking of booking a limousine to carry out a few simple checks to make sure it's all legitimate."Bill Bowling, of the National Limousines and Chauffeur Association, said drivers don't need a licence if they only do weddings and funerals. But he added: "There is confusion over what constitutes part of a wedding."
"I now know I shouldn't have agreed to pick up the stag party without the right paperwork but I did so out of desperation. I had spent a fortune on the car, on insurance and trying to get it licensed, and the finance company were saying they were going to re-possess it. I thought I could offer a safe way for young girls to travel in style."
Tameside councillor Catherine Piddington said: "We would urge anyone thinking of booking a limousine to carry out a few simple checks to make sure it's all legitimate."Bill Bowling, of the National Limousines and Chauffeur Association, said drivers don't need a licence if they only do weddings and funerals. But he added: "There is confusion over what constitutes part of a wedding."
Limousine operators face a nationwide crackdown by councils amid fears that illegally-operated vehicles are being hired by parents to take children to American-style "prom" events.
There are 11,000 limousines operating in the UK, with numbers expected to increase by 50 per cent this year alone. Membership of the National Limousine and Chauffeur Association, the official trade body, has almost trebled in the last three years.
The hiring of stretch limos is hugely popular among young revellers, thanks to features like TVs, sound systems and mini bars, and the fact that children can travel in the style of their favourite Hollywood or pop star.
They are also popular among brides-to-be celebrating hen nights, and young people celebrating 18th and 21st birthdays. (Cont. below)
(Cont.) But it is estimated by the NLCA that up to 40 per cent of limousines - around 4,400 - are being operated illegally, and limousine businesses are being warned that councils will work with the police and the Government's Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to take tough action against them.
Some illegal operators are offering to take 20 or more passengers in a single vehicle, when the legal number that they can usually carry is eight.
Cllr David Sparks, transport spokesman for the Local Government Association, which represents more than 400 councils in England and Wales, said: "The party is over for illegally-operated stretched limos.
"Our message to parents is don't swap style for safety when you book a stylish limo for your son or daughter's prom.
"Councils are here to make sure people get around safely. While many limousine operators conduct their business in a safe fashion, we will crackdown on the reckless minority who put passengers and pedestrians in serious danger.
"We are taking action to ensure that drivers hold the right driving licences, and have been screened by the Criminal Records Bureau. We are also checking that vehicles contain basic safety items like a first aid kit and fire extinguisher, and forward-facing seats have seatbelts."
Since January this year, all limousines have to be licensed, unless they are used exclusively for weddings and funerals.
In the case of a single stretched limousine - the most common type - a maximum of eight passengers are allowed. Features such as inadequate leg room, low ceilings and lack of proper exits make carrying more passengers a safety risk.
The vehicles are licensed by local authorities as Private Hire Vehicles, like taxis, although in some cases they can be licensed by Traffic Commissioners.
For stretched limousines with 9-16 passenger seats, the operator must have a Certificate of Initial Fitness (COIF), issued by VOSA. They are classed as Public Service Vehicles and licensed by Traffic Commissioners. Any passenger vehicle carrying more than eight people has to undergo an expensive conversion so it complies with strict British construction rules.
Regulations also require European-approved lamps, mirrors, tyres, seat belts and glass, which are not present on American vehicles. Very few limousine types do comply.
Bill Bowling, licensing officer at the NLCA Association, said: "As a trade body we make sure that our drivers are Criminal Record Bureau-checked, vehicles are properly licensed and that limos have checks every 10 weeks. There has not been a passenger fatality in a limousine in the UK to date, which statistically makes it the safest way to travel bar none. However, what we all wish to achieve is more, better and specific legislation for limousines."
The police have said that partygoers who hire stretched limousines could end up being driven in unsafe vehicles by members of organised crime gangs unless they choose carefully.
They have also warned of youngsters hanging out of vehicles, and say unlicensed vehicles may be unsafe and badly driven. If they were to break severely, then the people inside could be thrown forward and, because the make-up of the vehicle is such that it is fitted with bars and televisions - ie a lot of glass - there could be a recipe for disaster in a collision.
Case Studies:
Southend-on-Sea and Castle Point Borough Councils have written to schools warning of the potential dangers. The police and councils have carried out enforcement action at school proms, resulting in prosecutions against drivers and proprietors and, on occasions, confiscation of the vehicle.
Oldham council has started to license limousines. Officers have written several times to operators inviting them to discuss their licensing requirements. Many have not responded so it has written letters threatening legal action. It also has representatives attending school prom nights to check the vehicles. Birmingham City Council carries out regular test purchases on limousines to ensure that they are fully licensed and are operating within the law.
A Bradford-based limousine operator was fined £14,200 last year after what VOSA described as a "series of extremely serious irregularities" were discovered. Mohammed Saleem Nawaz received the £10,200 fine plus £4,000 costs for a range of offences including driving without insurance, fraudulent use of registration plates, fraudulent use of Vehicle Excise Duty and not having a PSV operator licence or a Certificate of Initial Fitness (COIF). Mr Nawaz also had 31 points endorsed on his driving licence at Leeds Crown Court.
There are 11,000 limousines operating in the UK, with numbers expected to increase by 50 per cent this year alone. Membership of the National Limousine and Chauffeur Association, the official trade body, has almost trebled in the last three years.
The hiring of stretch limos is hugely popular among young revellers, thanks to features like TVs, sound systems and mini bars, and the fact that children can travel in the style of their favourite Hollywood or pop star.
They are also popular among brides-to-be celebrating hen nights, and young people celebrating 18th and 21st birthdays. (Cont. below)
(Cont.) But it is estimated by the NLCA that up to 40 per cent of limousines - around 4,400 - are being operated illegally, and limousine businesses are being warned that councils will work with the police and the Government's Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to take tough action against them.
Some illegal operators are offering to take 20 or more passengers in a single vehicle, when the legal number that they can usually carry is eight.
Cllr David Sparks, transport spokesman for the Local Government Association, which represents more than 400 councils in England and Wales, said: "The party is over for illegally-operated stretched limos.
"Our message to parents is don't swap style for safety when you book a stylish limo for your son or daughter's prom.
"Councils are here to make sure people get around safely. While many limousine operators conduct their business in a safe fashion, we will crackdown on the reckless minority who put passengers and pedestrians in serious danger.
"We are taking action to ensure that drivers hold the right driving licences, and have been screened by the Criminal Records Bureau. We are also checking that vehicles contain basic safety items like a first aid kit and fire extinguisher, and forward-facing seats have seatbelts."
Since January this year, all limousines have to be licensed, unless they are used exclusively for weddings and funerals.
In the case of a single stretched limousine - the most common type - a maximum of eight passengers are allowed. Features such as inadequate leg room, low ceilings and lack of proper exits make carrying more passengers a safety risk.
The vehicles are licensed by local authorities as Private Hire Vehicles, like taxis, although in some cases they can be licensed by Traffic Commissioners.
For stretched limousines with 9-16 passenger seats, the operator must have a Certificate of Initial Fitness (COIF), issued by VOSA. They are classed as Public Service Vehicles and licensed by Traffic Commissioners. Any passenger vehicle carrying more than eight people has to undergo an expensive conversion so it complies with strict British construction rules.
Regulations also require European-approved lamps, mirrors, tyres, seat belts and glass, which are not present on American vehicles. Very few limousine types do comply.
Bill Bowling, licensing officer at the NLCA Association, said: "As a trade body we make sure that our drivers are Criminal Record Bureau-checked, vehicles are properly licensed and that limos have checks every 10 weeks. There has not been a passenger fatality in a limousine in the UK to date, which statistically makes it the safest way to travel bar none. However, what we all wish to achieve is more, better and specific legislation for limousines."
The police have said that partygoers who hire stretched limousines could end up being driven in unsafe vehicles by members of organised crime gangs unless they choose carefully.
They have also warned of youngsters hanging out of vehicles, and say unlicensed vehicles may be unsafe and badly driven. If they were to break severely, then the people inside could be thrown forward and, because the make-up of the vehicle is such that it is fitted with bars and televisions - ie a lot of glass - there could be a recipe for disaster in a collision.
Case Studies:
Southend-on-Sea and Castle Point Borough Councils have written to schools warning of the potential dangers. The police and councils have carried out enforcement action at school proms, resulting in prosecutions against drivers and proprietors and, on occasions, confiscation of the vehicle.
Oldham council has started to license limousines. Officers have written several times to operators inviting them to discuss their licensing requirements. Many have not responded so it has written letters threatening legal action. It also has representatives attending school prom nights to check the vehicles. Birmingham City Council carries out regular test purchases on limousines to ensure that they are fully licensed and are operating within the law.
A Bradford-based limousine operator was fined £14,200 last year after what VOSA described as a "series of extremely serious irregularities" were discovered. Mohammed Saleem Nawaz received the £10,200 fine plus £4,000 costs for a range of offences including driving without insurance, fraudulent use of registration plates, fraudulent use of Vehicle Excise Duty and not having a PSV operator licence or a Certificate of Initial Fitness (COIF). Mr Nawaz also had 31 points endorsed on his driving licence at Leeds Crown Court.
Translation tool loading
Fifth Gear recently ran a limousine crash test on an older model limousine. This is the type of vehicle that the one-man-band operator usually runs as it is very easy to purchase such older vehicles. The crash test result is appalling. Use the Play button to view the video which is 6.5mb so, depending on your connection speed playing the video may take a few moments.
The standard limousine was designed to carry no more than eight passengers but this was easily flouted with the driver allowing more passengers than the limousine as designed to carry.
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