Prom Limo Advice
| Published: 31st January 2008 14:54 |
Lichfield District Council is urging parents to check whether vehicles are licensed before booking a luxury car for their children's summer prom.
With prom dates being released soon, limousine operators across the district are preparing for a busy summer. But, recent changes to the law, introduced January 28, mean that all types of hire vehicles must be registered with the local council or Vehicle and Operator Services Agency.
Licensed drivers are checked to see if they have a criminal record and are allowed to be in close contact with vulnerable people. Vehicles also undergo a safety examination to check they are roadworthy, and to ensure it has the right insurance cover. Unlicensed companies are not obliged to undergo such checks, which mean you could be sending your child off in a car that isn't as safe as it could be.
Councillor Val Richards, Cabinet Member for Community, Housing, Health and Leisure, said: "No parent wants to put their child at unnecessary risk by hiring a vehicle which might not be safe, or is being driven by an adult that hasn't been properly checked out. So, when you're booking a car or limo, do ask to see the driver and vehicle licenses. If a business can't provide you with this proof, we'd strongly advise you to take your business elsewhere."
In the coming months, officers from the District Council's Environmental Health team will be attending prom venues across the district to identify unlawful drivers and vehicles.
To find out if a company is properly licensed, or if you are car hire company and would like to find out how to license your vehicles, contact the Council's taxi licensing department on 01543 308735.
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