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Taxi laws will stretch to help US limo owners
Ulster's American-style stretch limousine owners have welcomed moves to make their cars legal for hire as private taxis. At the moment the US-style limos do not meet PSV requirements - because they are left-hand drive.
But legislative draftsmen are working on a new Bill that will allow limousines to be licensed as private hire taxis on Ulster's roads - and it will be a first for the UK.
There are around 20 limousine firms in the province and a number have been in court at one time or another for not having a PSV. Jim Armstrong of American Limousines in Lisburn told us: "It's no longer a matter of if this change is going to happen, but when. I have to admit the DoE has made a heck of an effort to push it forward".
"There has been a full consultative process and we welcomed it because, up to now, the industry has not been recognised by the authorities." Mr Armstrong, president of the Northern Ireland Limousine Association, added: "We've been in business for over 17 years and we've faced hefty fines when we have appeared in court."
Agreement has been reached on a maximum stretch of 140 inches and a maximum passenger capacity of eight. And in keeping with reform of the taxi industry, limo drivers are likely to be required to take a special test.
Jim McCrystal, owner of Crystal Limousines, said: "We've been pleading with the DoE for a long time to let us plate our vehicles just like taxis. "All our drivers have PSV licences and insurance and our customers are 100 per cent covered in our limousines. "This legislation is vital because while I've not had any hassle from police, I know others who have."
The stretch limos, often used for weddings, stag and hen nights, as well as other special occasions, cost between £50,000 and £60,000, and around £6,000 to insure. A spokesman for the DoE said it was expected legislation would be in place early next year. "There is no corresponding legislation in the rest of the UK and it will take between four to six months to draft," he said.
Previously, a DoE spokesperson had outlined problems concerning "the relatively small number of left-hand drive American-style stretch limousines, which are very long and capable of carrying more than eight passengers".
"The vehicles do not meet the current PSV requirements for taxis or buses (e.g. minibus) for a number of reasons. Specifically, all taxis in Northern Ireland are required by law to be right-hand drive. Therefore, when used to carry passengers for reward, they are operating illegally."
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