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Halton/Warrington Borough Council Advice on Booking ‘Stretch' Limousines

 

If you (unknowingly) hire an unlicensed vehicle (e.g. ‘Stretched’ Limousine/converted Fire Engine etc.) – there may be serious consequences. Just because an advertisement may look ‘business like’ and authentic (e.g. Yellow Pages/Local Press/Internet) – it does not mean that every thing is safe – or legal. 

All vehicles hired for special occasions (except for weddings or funerals) – e.g. School Proms, ‘Girls Nights Out’, Silver/Golden Wedding Anniversaries etc – must be Licensed by either the Department for TransportOR a Local Authority. If you are told there is a ‘special’ licence BEWARE – there is no such thing. 

Licensing of these vehicles, provides safeguards and protection for the passengers using them. 

Quite simply – if the vehicle is not Licensed – it is not insured for carrying passengers for reward. In any event – these vehicles can never be insured to carry more than eight passengers. 

Only if the vehicle is Licensed by the Department for Transport or the Local Authority – has it been properly examined to ensure that it is safe to carry members of the public. 

There are even more concerns that you should have about the drivers of these vehicles. Only if the driver has been Criminal Records Bureau vetted by the Local Authority can you be sure that they are considered ‘fit’ to drive – in terms of any criminal history/concerns. 

Check List 
Before you book (or even if you have already booked) – ask the person providing the service: 

  • Is the vehicle currently Licensed by the Department of Transport or Local Authority? 
  • Is the driver CRB vetted by the Local Authority – to an enhanced level? 

Safeguards
If the vehicle is properly Licensed – there will be some formal identification (albeit possibly a discreet disc in the windscreen) – which the driver can point out to you. 

If the driver is properly and currently CRB vetted by a Local Authority – he/she will have a formal badge to show you. 

WHO’S DRIVING YOU/YOUR CHILDREN HOME TONIGHT????? 

(For further advice telephone John Findlow (H.B.C.) - 0151 907 8372 or Phil Barnes (W.B.C.) – 01925 442517.