Stretching the point on limos
A clampdown on unlicensed stretch limousines is being spearheaded by Wigan Council. The authority is the only one to have previously offered voluntary licences covering the USA-style vehicles but now licensing chiefs have joined a Greater Manchester-wide campaign to block rogue firms from trading.
Until now there has been no legal requirement for drivers to acquire a licence – but as the luxury form of travel becomes more popular local councils have decided to act.
Wigan Council licensing manager Maurice Dearden said: "What we are saying is that these vehicles are being used for hire and reward. That means they come within the requirements for private hire and should be regulated by the local authority.
"At the moment no-one is checking that the vehicles are safe.
"Our Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles are tested twice a year and the drivers are vetted.
"We need to ensure that the people in charge of those vehicles are safe and proper to carry out their duties."
Limousines are now the choice of travel for stag, hen and birthday parties, weddings and on school prom night. Most of the vehicles are shipped from America – particularly New York where they are decommissioned after five years.
By licensing them, the council will also be able to scrutinise the safety of the limos which often come with huge wheels, stretch beyond eight foot long and are predominantly left-hand drive and 4x4s.
Under the new approach, any limo carrying a maximum of eight passengers will have to apply for a private hire licence while those which carry nine or more will come under the jurisdiction of the Vehicle Operator and Standards Agency.
Wigan Council is the only one of the 10 authorities in Greater Manchester to already issue voluntary licences.
One reputable firm which is already fully licensed is Wigan's 1st Choice Luxury Cars, in Wallgarth Close, Winstanley. It is run by Brian Moran.
He said: "I know of people buying limousines and basically just driving them about as they would any vehicle. You do have to have a proper licensing structure in place.
"I don't see how anyone can operate without a licence because you need your licence number for your insurance but I know that there are companies out there who do and they need to be stopped."
March 2007 Wigan Observer