Hire-firm Boss Comes Unstuck Over Limousine Stickers
Council orders company to strip off lettering featuring Disney franchise star
21st July 2009
A Limousine hire firm has been ordered to remove stickers featuring a popular American teenager.
Aberdeenshire Council told Hollywood Cars to strip the stickers featuring Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus or face failing a private hire test today.
John Cook, 62, who runs the Westhill-based firm with his wife Veronica, 67, spent three days removing lettering and a picture of the successful Disney franchise star from a pink Lincoln limousine.
He said: “There are a lot of disappointed lassies. I’ve had five phone calls this afternoon from people asking if we are going to have the stickers again.
“The kids loved standing beside the photo of Hannah. It’s like it’s one of their pals,” added Mr Cook, of Braecroft Avenue, Westhill.
A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “All limousines must have permission to display lettering on their vehicles. This is the case with all private hire vehicles and taxis that can carry up to eight passengers.
“If a limousine owner wishes to display lettering they must submit a request to the taxi licensing office of the council.
“If this complies with the guidelines permission can be issued by officers. If it is outside the scope of the guidelines it will be considered at the next meeting of the licensing sub-committee.
“If a vehicle has lettering and no request has been submitted or approved that vehicle will not pass the taxi and private hires vehicle test.”
Mr Cook said he intends to write to the council to ask for the necessary permission.
Source; The Press & Journal - pressandjournal.co.uk