HAVANT council is set to act amid fears people are being put at risk by firms cashing in on the craze to hire out stretch limos.
The super-sized cars are becoming more popular for occasions such as hen and stag nights, and there are six companies in the Havant borough operating the flashy vehicles.
But council chiefs suspect some firms are operating without licences allowing them to hire out vehicles, and the borough is now set to bring in tougher safety regulations.
Havant Borough Council bosses are to decide whether to bring in a special licence aimed at regulating stretch limos in the same way as taxis.
The giant cars would have to be tested every six months to be lawfully allowed to pick up passengers. Any rogue operators could be fined.
A recent stretch limo survey in Southampton showed that 14 out of the 17 stopped were operating without a licence either from a local authority or the national Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (Vosa).
Geoff Hallett, borough licensing officer, thinks the situation in Havant could be similar, and wants a new licensing scheme.
He said: 'It is very likely that the majority are operating unlawfully and can only become legitimate if they are licensed as private-hire vehicles.'
The council does not give licences to vehicles more than three years old on initial application, or are left-hand drive – which rules out most stretch limos. Tomorrow councillors will decide whether the rules should be changed.
Mr Hallett said that at the moment some cars could be breaching safety rules, with some 'stretched' illegally so they were too long or too heavy. Others used inadequate tyres for the weight of the car.
Steve Middleton, director of Lawnswood Limousines, which is licensed with the Vosa, welcomed the plan.
'There are a couple I know of that are run without licences and flouting the rules. I'm all for regulating the industry,' he said.
Gosport Borough Council and Portsmouth City Council already issue licences for stretch limousines.
PROPOSED REQUIREMENTS
Conditions that a limo will need to meet to be given a licence:
Evidence that it was modified by a qualified converter
The vehicle must not have been lengthened by more than 120in or weigh more than 7,100lb
Tyres must be designed and manufactured for that class of vehicle and be capable of supporting the maximum loaded weight for each axle when at maximum speed
A Single Vehicle Approval certificate or equivalent for that vehicle must be submitted
Seat belts complying with current legislation must be fitted for each passenger seat
Passengers cannot travel in the front seat
Vehicles licensed under these additional conditions must be submitted every six months for a check at the council's approved centre.
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