Taxi Driver Online

Horse and carriage tours for town

HORSE-DRAWN carriage tours around Hartlepool could become a reality if civic leaders change licensing policy.

Dream Day Carriages has asked about providing tours around the Marina and Headland during holidays and major public events.

The company, which is based in Usworth Road, Hartlepool, has seven carriages – some dating back to 1820 – which can carry between two and six people.

Work on new carriages to carry between nine and 12 people is also in production.

As it stands, Hartlepool Borough Council wouldn't be able to issue a licence for a horse- drawn carriage because their hackney carriage policy doesn't cover it.

However, a meeting of the licensing committee has been arranged to discuss adding additional conditions so an application can be considered.

Tony Simpson, of Dream Day Carriages, said: "Hartlepool is an up-and-coming tourist destination and we believe this will be a major hit with visitors and also people from the town.

"We are looking at introducing three routes around the Marina and the Headland in the old style horse-drawn carriages.

"There is a meeting on Wednesday to discuss conditions and changes to the policy and we will go from there but we would be looking at charging around £5 per trip."

The 45-year-old, from the Belle Vue area of town, added: "We have had a little bit of trouble from taxi drivers who think we will be pinching their trade. But it wouldn't be a case of us taking people all round town because our business would be concentrated on tours around the Headland and the Marina."

Graham Frankland, Hartlepool Council's head of procurement, property and public protection, said in minutes to the meeting: "The provision of a horse-drawn carriage from an existing tourist attraction can only go toward promoting and enhancing tourism within Hartlepool.

"If successful in their application this will be the first licensing of a horse drawn vehicle with this authority, and neighbouring authorities, in modern times."

Committee members are being recommended to approve the new conditions which will then allow Mr Simpson to make an application.

Coun Victor Tumilty, who sits on the licensing committee, has backed the plans which he believes will provide a major boost for tourism.
Coun Tumilty said: "I think it is an excellent idea that will prove very popular among children and adults.

"Anything like this will inevitably give a boost to tourism in the town and what better way to enjoy the Headland and Marina."

The licensing committee is due to meet on Wednesday at 2pm in the Civic Centre.

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

I though that most of the English hackney rules still existed for a horse and cart

Can the council change their policy to cover the carriage of more than 8 passengers? Has there been an assesment of how many horses are required to carry this number of passengers?

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Grandad,

The existing statutes allow almost anything to be licensed.

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IDFIMH

No.

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IDFIMH

So who will license the carriages for 9-12 passengers?

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Grandad,

Maybe they will be self-drive.

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IDFIMH

I was trying to be serious!

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Grandad,

In serious mode, they can't.

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IDFIMH

our LA has already plated a 4 seater carriage for town tours with a "Special Events" plate on it...

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

4 seats being legal....however how many seats for the charabang?

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

dont "the rules and regs" stipulate "Horseless carriage" (or motor vehicle)

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

Take me to the point in the act and all will be revealed!

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

That's PH.

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IDFIMH

so far only found the LONDON hackney carriage act

where was the planned charabang service?

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most