They are the ultimate “bling” transport choice for rappers and footballers’ wives alike, but the rise and rise of the stretch limo could finally be over. 

It is also the vehicle of choice for US President George Bush when he is in London for a visit
Councils are planning a safety crackdown on the monster-sized cars which have become a must-have for everything from hen nights and 21st birthday parties to American-style teenage prom events.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents more than 400 councils in England and Wales, claims up to 40 per cent of stretched limousines currently on the roads – more than 4,000 vehicles – could be operating illegally.

The LGA warned councils are planning a to carry out a series of checks with police and the Government’s Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).

Features such as sound systems, televisions and mini bars have helped boost demand.

“The party is over for illegally-operated stretched limos,” Cllr David Sparks, the LGA’s transport spokesman said.

“Our message to parents is don’t swap style for safety when you book a stylish limo for your son or daughter’s prom.

“Councils are here to make sure people get around safely.

“While many limousine operators conduct their business in a safe fashion, we will crack down on the reckless minority who put passengers and pedestrians in serious danger.”

He said the crackdown would include checks to make sure drivers hold the correct licences and had been screened by the Criminal Records Bureau, the body which vets teachers and youth workers.

There will also be inspections for safety equipment such as fire extinguisher, first aid kits and the correct type of seat belts.

The move follow changes in the law which came into force in January requiring all limousines, except those used exclusively for weddings and funerals, to be licensed as Private Hire Vehicles.

Bill Bowling, licensing officer at the National Limousine and Chauffeur Association, said: “As a trade body we make sure that our drivers are Criminal Record Bureau-checked, vehicles are properly licensed and that limos have checks every 10 weeks.

“There has not been a passenger fatality in a limousine in the UK to date, which statistically makes it the safest way to travel bar none.

“However, what we all wish to achieve is more, better and specific legislation for limousines.”

You are no doubt aware of recent changes to legislation and may be aware of yet more proposed changes including the ban on side facing seats.  You are possibly already experiencing difficulties with VOSA road side inspections, local authority inspections, or have heard horror stories from other operators.
You may be in favour of change to current limousine legislation or might be happy with the way things are right now but are concerned about the future. Perhaps everything is fine and you are confident about the future.

What happens next in the industry will impact on your business for better or worse. We operators can impact on how our industry is treated by regulators but only if we can mount a sustainable campaign for change.

A campaign for change will only bring an initial flurry of excitement and very limited results if it does not have the support of the entire industry and can supply documented evidence of support. A successful campaign will need accurate industry statistics which outline the benefits to the economy, accurate prospective growth figures and an intelligent proposal for change that has mass support within the industry.

The first step of such a campaign is to gather information. This will be used to produce a report which will show how large the UK limo industry actually is, how many people it employs, and a clear picture of UK turnover and growth prospects. The report should also outline what limo operators currently find acceptable and unacceptable in terms of regulation and perhaps more importantly, what changes must be made to ensure the long term growth of this fledgling industry.

With this in mind, a new website has been created.

www.LegislationForLimos.co.uk is now online. Its sole purpose is to gather industry data for analysis.
The website is for all limousine operators in the UK. It gives you the chance to voice your ideas and ensures that industry organizations and government regulatory bodies, alike sit up and take notice.
Please visit the site and complete the questionnaire. The data will be analysed and the ultimate findings will be forwarded to you. The report will contain industry figures only and will not specify individual company data.

This information can then be used to build and give real support to a sustainable campaign to lobby for the right legislation in order to nurture the growth of our industry.

This can only be done with overwhelming support from all operators.

Please visit the website at www.legislationforlimos.co.uk and add your voice to the intelligent campaign for change by completing the questionnaire.

Without it, the industry will never realize its true potential as a genuine customer service industry that brings real benefits to the UK economy.