The NLCA stance on Limo Hire Law

Due to the volume of enquiries we get at Seaton Sluice Limos & Newcastle Limos, in regards to the number of passengers we can take for limo hire in Newcastle and the North East.  We have decided to reiterate the National Limousine Association statement on limo hire law* to highlight the legality of limo hire and to explain the reason for our strict policy here at Seaton Sluice Limos & Newcastle Limos of only accepting limo hire enquiries from individuals or businesses looking for North East limo hire for 8 or fewer passengers, with no exceptions.

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)