Chauffeur driven limousine hire Q.

[Kentish]

Does the owner/driver need to have the limo plated as a private hire vehicle?

I haven't noticed any with a big plate on the back tbh.

Hence my question

A stretch would look pretty crap with a big council plate on!

[Kentish]

Anyone know if the council private hire plate is a requirement on a limo?

And all the crap that goes with it, like MOT every 3 months (dictated by some councils, probably those with councillors who also own an MOT test centre)

[47p2]

Each local authority area have their own rules. Best contact your own local authority and ask them.

[GTIR]

No. At present the majority of stretch limos (if that's what your referring to) are not licenced as private hire. They're not PSV (buses, coaches) or private hire so don't fall into any category. It won't be long until they are all banned as most are not compliant with any licensing laws and are dangerous, especially the bodged older yank ones.

Normal Mercedes saloons used as chauffeur cars are harder to spot because most have a plate display exemption. So unless you see their licence (Vehicle, operator and driver) it's hard to tell who's licenced and who's not.

London chauffeur cars (private hire) have the big round disc in the window.

Edited by GTIR on Wednesday 30th March 10:07

[Kentish]

47p2 said:

Each local authority area have their own rules. Best contact your own local authority and ask them.

OK, thanks.

I guess I could just not worry about the plating and see what happens - I'm a great believer in not drawing attention to something and opening a can of worms!

We once asked for council permission to prune a tree in our garden - they slapped a tree preservation order on the sycamore tree and told us it would be a £20k Fine if we touched it

[Kentish]

GTIR said:

No. At present the majority of stretch limos (if that's what your referring to) are not licenced as private hire. They're not PSV (buses, coaches) or private hire so don't fall into any category. It won't be long until they are all banned as most are not compliant with any licensing laws and are dangerous, especially the bodged older yank ones.

Normal Mercedes saloons used as chauffeur cars are harder to spot because most have a plate display exemption. So unless you see their licence (Vehicle, operator and driver) it's hard to tell who's licenced and who's not.

OK thanks.

I'm after a classic XJ if I can find one but may also have a Lincoln as they are popular for weddings and birthdays parties.

[GTIR]

Kentish said:

OK thanks.

I'm after a classic XJ if I can find one but may also have a Lincoln as they are popular for weddings and birthdays parties.

You don't generally need a ph licence to do weddings but anything else you should get one.

Most councils have a minimum age the car has to be for new applications - 3-5 years is normal - if you're after a licensed vehicle but if not remember any bloke can buy one and try it which is what people do then realise there is no money in it. Remember, people usually only marry on a Saturday or sunday and usually in the warmer months. I doubt you'll make a living out of it.

Insurance is also frightening.

Get a skoda do ph work for local taxi firms then move onto a newer Merc and do chauffeur work and weddings. Don't be fooled into thinking chauffeur work is any different to driving a taxi.

[Kentish]

Thanks again, yes I'm under no illusions that it will not generate a huge income.

I am just interested in doing this a secondary venture.