NLA state that in “England, Scotland, Northern Ireland & Wales limousines [intending to carry more than] 8 passengers the vehicle has to be registered as a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and have a Certificate of Initial Fitness (COIF) issued to it. However [at the time of writing*] none of the American style limousines, (including: Navigators, Escalades, Excursions, Hummers etc) comply with the requirements and are therefore restricted by law to a maximum of 8 passengers.”

The NLCA states that if any limo hire operator tries supply a limo for more than 8 passengers [unless they have a valid COIF] and tries to convince you otherwise that you should:

“A) Not book with them
B) Inform the Police
C) Inform the National Limousine Association
D) Report them as illegal operators to the Vehicle Inspectorate on 0870 60 60 440 (option 4)

It is in everyone’s interest to ensure that the paying public are protected from unscrupulous operators. In the event of an overloaded, unlicensed limousine being involved in a serious or fatal accident, the repercussions could be drastic and the ultimate losers would be the customers and the bona fide limo hire operators.

For additional guidance and clarification contact the NLA directly

or to contact Bill Bowling on 0775 386 3550 (mobile rates).*”

We hope this will help more people understand the law as well as giving an independent view from an authoritative body on the issue of limo hire law in the UK and specially for us the limo surrounding limo hire in Newcastle upon Tyne and the North East. If you wish to contact us about a legal limo hire journey in Newcastle and the North East, please feel free to enquire here.

*taken from NLA statement now NLCA (2006)

The piece highlights how a number of limousine operators are operating illegally with incorrect or even no licenses especially those offering journies for over 8 passengers.

“While lots [of limousine operators] are properly licensed, many are illegal and have drivers not vetted by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).”

Interestingly the BBC also raised the concern around how limousine hire drivers are chosen and the need for chauffeurs to have undergone CRB checks. All the drivers we have at Seaton Sluice Limos have had CRB checks ensuring that they are suitable for all jobs, including jobs with children and school proms.

This focus on safety is important to us here at Seaton Sluice Limos & Newcastle Limos and something that we feel will be high on the Government’s limousine hire agenda in future months.

To view the full BBC article please click here.

Currently under the law any vehicle that carries 8 or fewer passengers should be registered as a taxi or public service vehicle (PSV) with one of the various councils around the country. This also applies to limousines carrying 8 or fewer individuals, and thus should all be registered with their retrospective council.

A number of limousine hire companies in the North East, and nationally, are offering limo hire in larger limos such as the Hummer style vehicles for over 8 passengers. Under current law this style of limousine carrying over 8 people should have a PSV certificate of intial fitness (COIF) in a similar way to a minibus or coach.

However, to gain a COIF for a limousine is virtually impossible due to the requirements set out by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) which requires the limos to have adequate headroom, turning ability and most importantly a fire escape.

We know of no limousine operators in the North East that currently have a certificate of intial fitness.

It is possible that there firms offering limos for over 8 people are being run illegally and could face their vehicles being impounded with paying customers being asked to leave the vehicle on the spot.

At Seaton Sluice Limos we highly recommend that if you are looking to book a limousine in Newcastle soon or even nationally that you check that limousine operator will only accept 8 or fewer passengers OR those that offer over 8 have the necessary licenses and safety features to do so.