There are approximately 11,000 limousines operating in the UK with an additional 5,000 expected over the next year and these days you’ll see limousines everywhere along the streets of London. Whilst some may be running illegally, a number of legitimate limousine operators now have growing concerns they’ll be driven out of business due to a recent crackdown from the authorities.
The Local Government Assciation [LGA] has recently announced that councils will unite with police to increase roadside spot checks and pull the illegal limousines off the road. The LGA estimates that approximately 40% of the 11,000 limousines in Britain are operating illegally and plans to put a stop to those that do not comply with road safety legislation. These roadside checks have been witnessed most with limo hire London.
The limousines particularly in question are those vehicles that seat more than 8 people. Under current British law, any car which carries fewer than eight people, including a limousine, can be licensed by the local council as a taxi, however, problems arise with the much-larger, American-style vehicles such as hummer limo hire, Jeep Expeditions and Ford Excursions which have become by far the most popular style of limousine on the roads.
As these larger limousines have the capacity to carry more than eight people, the Government’s Vehicle & Operator Services Agency [VOSA] treats them as passenger carrying vehicles [PCV's] and, like buses, they require a special PCV licence and a certificate to prove they are road worthy.
The assessment criteria, among others, comprises of sufficient maneuverability such as turning circles and headroom, as well as access to fire extinguishers and fire escape, which only a small number of the most recent models incorporate.
However, some legal limousine operators argue that most limousines will result in being classified as unlawful due to the legislation making compliance for many vehicles unfeasible.
The resulting effect should a vehicle fail a roadside spot check would be the vehicle being impounded immediately and all passengers being ejected. We would like to warn people considering hiring a limousine to be vigilant and not to assume PCV licences and certificates are held and remind them not to substitute style or price for safety when making a booking.
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