grandad wrote:
Think about this one for a moment please JD, If a group of operators have got together and paid a top transport barrister several thousands of pounds to check and test this system. Do you realy expect that group of operators to actually just publish the way to do it so that anyone can do it without contributing to the cost.
I do not proffess to know exactly how the system works but I do know a bit. I do not operate limousines that carry more than 8 passengers and I have no intention of doing so. Until May of last year I was one of the most voiciferous limo operators against the over 8 brigade and when this system was first explained to me I thought it was boll0cks but through listening to people and having an open mind on the issue I now do not have a problem with the operators that are doing it right like A Class in fact I applaud them for their courage and determination to do what the government said which was to go away and work within the current legislation. Which is what they have done.
I appreciate all that and I know you are a sensible person but our concern is not about Limo operators far from it, our concern is about unlicensed minibuses attempting to skirt the law. Size doesn't matter but the provision of a driver either directly or indirectly, does matter.
Self drive is explanatory and if these over large minibuses stick to the law then I presume they will have nothing to worry about but the whole exercise of limousines is hire or reward and the fact they feel the need to convert to a minibus proves that they can't work within the existing licensing regime for whatever reason.
The law needs changing but I don't place much trust in a barristers opinion that advocates a limo operator being what amounts to an agent for a third party driver. This to me amounts to the systematic carrying on of a business for hire or reward and as such all the appropriate license and insurance conditions should be met.
That is my opinion and it has nothing whatsoever to do with just limousines, my opinion stretches to all minibus and "hire vehicles", whether self drive or otherwise.
Regards
JD