Limos to be licensed in police clampdown
LIMOS are very popular for events such as hen nights
LIMOUSINES across the west of Scotland are to be licensed within months as police move to regulate the industry.
Strathclyde Police want rules on limousine operators tightened up to protect "public safety" in a booming market.
Scotland's largest police force has written to every council in its area asking them to include limousines under the current licensing system, and force those which carry eight or fewer passengers to be issued with the same licence as private hire car drivers.
They already believe limousines are covered by current legislation but want councils to clarify the rules.
The letter, from the force licensing department, asks councils to consider the move and will launch a crackdown on operators in August.
It goes on to say the vehicles could be called "special event private hire cars".
It states: "Given the implications for public safety with the continued use of such vehicles without regulation, I trust that you will give serious consideration to my proposal."
The letter says there is a "consensus of opinion supporting the police position".
Licensing has already been adopted in other Scottish cities, including Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh.
Police say there will be a four-month period of grace, ending on August 6, to allow operators to apply for a licence.
Scotland's largest and first limousine hire company today welcomed the news.
A spokesman for Limos UK, based in Glasgow, said: "It is something we'd welcome as it would get rid of rogue operators.
"We will abide by the law."
Among those operators who will need a licence are the Crazy Fire Company which provides party fireman, music and a bar for seven people in a converted fire engine. Paul Gibson, of the Crazy Fire Company, said the system is confusing and one of his drivers has been charged. He supports licensing but has lodged an official complaint with Strathclyde Police after drivers were stopped. He said: "I am quite happy to be licensed but I have been told a licensing system will take several months to have in place. There has to be a longer period of grace. "The police and councils must talk to each other."
Glasgow City Council said the recommendation was expected to go before the next licensing meeting within a few weeks.
A Renfrewshire Council spokesman confirmed it would be months before a decision could be taken on whether to licence limousines.
Publication date 19/05/05
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/hi/news/5039012.html
One year on & still no licensing regime in place meaning legitimate operators like the Crazy Fire Co mentioned in the report are having to operate in a 'licensing no-mans land'
