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Herald Express (Torquay)
November 29, 2006 Wednesday
HEADLINE: Law-breaking limos facing clampdown
The brakes could be put on stretch limousines if they are caught breaking the law, a government agency has warned.
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has cracked down on stretch limo operators in conjunction with police and Torbay Council.
And the spotlight has turned on the Bay which has become a popular place for limo companies, hired by people who want a stylish ride to weddings, hen nights, birthday parties and school proms.
Stretch limos containing a gaggle of giggling girls or a bunch of boisterous boys on a fun night out are becoming more common place. People are increasingly hiring them to enjoy a night out trawling bars while enjoying the luxury of travelling in the long cars.
But authorities are becoming more concerned about the safety of the vehicles - such as the strength of the chassis - alcohol being "thrown in" with the deal when people hire the vehicles and the vehicle's ability to operate as a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle.
Torbay Council, traffic police and VOSA launched the crackdown following safety and licensing concerns. On the bleak November evening, we set out to patrol the Bay during the operation looking at stretch limos.
I shadowed MPC Sarah Harvey, from Newton Abbot traffic unit and Torbay Council's licensing enforcement officer Craig Noble. It was stressed that, if vehicles were stopped, there would be a firm emphasis on getting as much information as possible without ruining the enjoyment of those who had hired the car.
The council's principal environmental officer Steve Cox and a team from VOSA - senior vehicle examiner Anthony Wood, Charlie Gray and Paul Dennett - stayed in town to stop the vehicles, check them over and, if need be, take them to the Stagecoach depot to investigate the car further.
MPC Harvey explained the police's involvement: "We will initially stop any limos. "The details of the driver and the person who made the vehicle booking will be taken and, depending on circumstances, VOSA will conduct a more detailed examination of the vehicle.
"Our job is to give assistance because we have the power to stop the limousines. "We would also make sure the vehicle is properly insured, has an MOT certificate and the driver has their documentation. We can check over the vehicle to make sure it is roadworthy."
That night, it appeared all was quiet. We saw nothing for the first hour except people enjoying their nights out on foot. But later as one limo was spotted coming into Torquay, it was time to swing into action. The white limo was stopped on The Strand and the driver's details were taken as were those of the person who made the booking.
Following a quick examination, it was ascertained the firm was registered with VOSA and the driver was asked to drop his clients off and return to the Stagecoach depot for a more thorough examination. Torbay Council's principal environmental officer Steve Cox said: "Vehicles should either be licensed with a local authority as a private hire vehicle or be licensed by VOSA.
"We want to ensure the vehicles are safe and are properly licensed. "Any information gathered is useful in giving a fuller picture as to the vehicles that are operating because some companies may not be licensed with either the local authority or VOSA."
After being examined the stretch limo, from the East Devon area, was served with two advisory notices for minor defects and allowed to go. Mr Cox said Torbay is increasingly used as a destination for stretch limo evenings from all over the South West.
He said: "Potentially they can come from anywhere in Devon, and possibly beyond, for anyone who wants a night out in Torquay because that is where people like to go. The further away you get, the frequency would drop away but I would not be surprised to hear people are coming from as far as the South Hams, Exeter and maybe even Plymouth - certainly anywhere in striking distance."
Although the vehicle stopped on the night was registered with VOSA, senior vehicle examiner Anthony Wood said the agency would like to carry out more checks - both in Torbay and throughout Devon in the future - and had already conducted a similar operation in Plymouth.
He said: "It is important to target the non-compliant and we will use intelligence to make sure we find out who they are."
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