Check licences when booking prom limos - council

Parents in Wolverhampton are being urged to carry out detailed checks if they are hiring vehicles for their children's prom night.

Not all companies advertising the services of stretched limousines and other luxury or performance vehicles were licensed, the city council warned.

The council's licensing team said it was working with schools and other local authorities to alert families to the potential safety risks, including dangers linked to drivers plus uninsured or non-roadworthy transport.

Extra vigilance was said to be particularly needed when booking services advertised on social media, where the unlicensed trade primarily operated.

Companies hiring out a vehicle and driver with fewer than nine seats may require a private hire vehicle operator licence from the city council and people should check that with the service provider and the council, the authority said.

Companies hiring out a limousine and driver with nine passenger seats or more must have a public service vehicle (PSV) operator licence.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services, said: "Prom nights are special occasions for young people to get together and celebrate all that they have achieved.

"Unfortunately, we are aware there may be unscrupulous companies looking to take advantage at this time of year. The driver may not have had a criminal record check or the vehicle may not be roadworthy. In addition, unlicensed vehicles and drivers won't be insured.

"Hiring a vehicle and driver that hasn't been properly vetted and licensed could put your child and their friends at risk.

"Please consider making checks on the company you are thinking of hiring from to make sure everyone has fun and stays safe on prom night."

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