Stretched limos feel long arm of the law
POLICE stopped stretch limousines ferrying children to end-of-year school proms in a licensing crackdown on the novelty vehicles.
They stopped more than 12 limousines and Hummers at Keele University in a joint operation with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA)
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It was carried out between 7pm and 10pm on Friday as the vehicles took students from Biddulph High School to Keele Hall for their prom.
Many of the vehicles were then meant to transport children from St Joseph's College, in Trent Vale, and from Cheadle High School to their own proms.
But it is understood some were delayed for more than an hour, while others didn't turn up at all.
Police – who are still collating figures from the operation – found drivers who did not have the proper insurance and dangerous vehicles. One limo was towed away.
Councillor Joy Garner, chairman of the council's licensing and registration panel, said: "The operation uncovered lots of different problems with both the drivers and the vehicles.
"Many people using limos are very vulnerable. The adult passengers can be at risk because they have had too much to drink, and increasingly we are seeing young children using limos for birthday parties.
"They can be at risk if the checks and legislation are not enforced.
"Many of the cars are imported from America where they can only be used for five years because of the safety problems they present.
"A lot of the extended chassis can become dangerous and need to be properly safety checked to operate."
Two years ago the city council was one of the first authorities in the country to bring in Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks on drivers of vehicles commonly hired for stag and hen nights, and children's parties.
All private hire drivers have to pass the enhanced police check at least every three years to make sure they are safe to transport the public.
Lynton Hewitt, pictured, who runs Diamond Limousines, in Longton, said: "All limousine companies should be properly licensed and the drivers properly checked because we are carrying out a public service.
"All my vehicles are licensed with VOSA and checked every 10 weeks.
"I have four vehicles and three of them were stopped at Keele on Friday. I am happy to co-operate with the authorities because I know all our checks and licences are legitimate."
24 Comments
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by Norman, Alsager
Wednesday, May 06 2009, 7:07AM
“I have been asked by a friend to chauffeur their son in my private Rolls Royce to their School Prom next week. I do this as a favour and do not get paid. My car is Mot'd, Insured for limited special occasion use and has restricted Planning Permission for Weddings. I don't have a Taxi Licence or CRB checks - this is not a business but a great night out for the kids and I'm happy to assist a friend. Where do I stand if stopped?”
by Dawn, North Staffordshire
Tuesday, May 05 2009, 10:40AM
“I believe that the Police and the Local Council are doing the right thing, irrespective of whether it fits in with peoples social diaries..... I would rather have my children alive and late for a party, than dead anytime.”
by Mark Edward Brayford, Chesterton
Tuesday, May 05 2009, 9:25AM
“Miss Rebecca, I am sorry if I was unclear. I would have hoped by now that readers would understand that I do not regard the Roman Catolic so-called "Church" as truly Christian (just look at what the Vatican stood back and allowed in World War 2), so the lack of surprise was at one of their false schools holding this sort of event. It was certainly not a nod of approval.”
by Warren, Stoke on Trent
Tuesday, May 05 2009, 8:35AM
“Sould have used the school mini busses insteed... lol. All this school leaveing, prom night, god ol' USof A load of old tat needs stoping anyway. I have talked to people who have felt forced by there teens to spend money that they could realy afford on them. The cars, just becouse of the size of them, they sould be overhalled at least every say, 4 months.”
by Theron, Illinois, USA
Tuesday, May 05 2009, 2:46AM
“"Many of the cars are imported from America where they can only be used for five years because of the safety problems they present.
"A lot of the extended chassis can become dangerous and need to be properly safety checked to operate."
Joy Garner is an Idiot! USA has no limits on Limos and the construction is stronger and better than a stock vehicle. Am familiar with several companies and NO Problems outside regular Maintenance is required!”