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Fears Over Safety of Limousines
5th August-2008
Fears have been raised over the safety of stretched limousines, as demand grows from people wanting an extra special night out.
American style chauffeur-driven limousines are becoming increasingly popular, especially with youngsters who want to arrive like movie stars or footballers' wives for landmark occasions such as school proms and hen parties.
Many of the cars have sound systems, televisions and mini bars.
The number of taxi firms in Cornwall which offer such services is growing by up to 50% a year to meet the demand. With limousine hire costing from £250 for an evening, it represents big business but concern has been raised that some cars, many of which are imported, have so far been exempt from safety checks, leaving passengers at risk.
The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents more than 400 councils in England and Wales, claims that up to 40% of stretched limousines currently on the roads – more than 4,000 vehicles – could be operating illegally.
Among the LGA's fears are that passengers risk serious or fatal injury if stretched cars break apart in a collision.
Restormel Borough Council's licensing committee wants to change local regulations, following a change in the law in January which means that all limousines, except those used for weddings and funerals, must be licensed as private hire vehicles.
Though they will be exempt from having to display licensed private hire side and rear external plates, the crackdown will include checks that limousines are tested regularly and have been adapted by approved converters according to British and European standards.
With the exception of existing licensed cars, they must also be no more than ten years old, well-maintained, with a full service history, and comply with existing council tests.
Vehicles will be licensed to carry a maximum eight passengers and must have seat belts for all forward and rear-facing seats.
The new licences will not allow the sale or supply of alcohol, which is subject to other rules under the 2003 Licensing Act.
Chris Roberts, who runs Cornish Limos based in St Austell, welcomes the new rules and says the majority of reputable firms, like his, already carry restricted Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV) licences.
He said: “There are problems in the industry and it's good to see clear regulations.
“People should be very careful they hire cars from people who are licensed by one body or another. To look at some of the cars out there, it's a miracle someone hasn't been killed.
“My car cost £50,000 to buy new, but you could buy something old for £5,000. You wouldn't take your daughter out in your own car if its tyres were bald – why risk it when you hire a limo?”
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Kind regards,
Brummie Cabbie.
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