Most UK Limos For Hire Are Operating Illegally, Says New Report

Online, November 5, 2012 (Newswire.com) - A shocking new report reveals that the majority of UK stretch limos are operating illegally.

Nearly three in four should not be on road, according to The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) after it stopped 228 of them between March and September.

164 of the limos stopped were found with mechanical defects, overloaded with passengers, with no tax or insurance and being driven without an operators licence.

To comply with UK regulations, limousines need a Certificate of Initial Fitness (COIF) and must be registered as a Public Service Vehicle (PSV).

Road Safety Minister, Mike Penning, said: "VOSA will make full use of its powers to stop the small minority of cowboy operators who threaten to bring the industry into disrepute."

"The limousines and novelty vehicle industry has seen rapid growth in recent years and I want to see these legitimate businesses continue to thrive.

"However, those operating vehicles outside of the law put the safety of their passengers and other road users at risk, and create unfair competition for legitimately-run businesses.

"This is something that will not be tolerated by VOSA"

Jackie Jolliffe, owner of fully licensed company Limo-Scene & Wedding Cars, said: "It's shocking that so many limos for hire in the UK are not licensed properly.

"They know the law but choose to ignore it - which could actually result in the limousine being taken off the road while you are in it.

"Make sure your check that your limo operator has proper documentation before booking."

Limo-Scene is a fully licensed company with some of the best available limos for hire in the country.