Agenda item

The Licensing Officers reported that they had for some time been carrying out a review of existing policy documents pertaining to all aspects of Private Hire licensing in order to bring them in line with best practice guidance as well as neighbouring local authorities.  Members were informed that in recent years there had been an influx of stretch limousines imported from North America.  These vehicles were typically hired out for occasions such as weddings, funerals, hen nights and more recently, prom nights. 

Members were informed that many local authorities had refused to licence stretch limousines as they did not meet the vehicle criteria in their policies.  However, it was noted that the guidance circulated from the Department for Transport encouraged local councils not to impose a blanket ban on stretch limousines but to consider licensing them on a case by case basis.

The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 made it clear that vehicles that are constructed to carry more than 8 passengers cannot be licensed by local authorities and as such it was noted that this policy would only apply to those vehicles that were constructed to carry a maximum of 8 passengers.

The proposed criteria to be met by stretch limousines to be licensed by the Borough was outlined.  Members welcomed the report commenting that licensing such vehicles would ensure the safety of members of the public. 

Recommended to Council - That there will be no limit on the age of the stretch limousines to be licensed, however, all vehicles must be presented for inspection by licensing officers prior to licensing and shall meet the following criteria: 

(a)  All vehicles must be constructed to carry no more than 8 passengers.

(b)  A valid Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) certificate must accompany a licence application without which, no licence shall be issued.

(c)  All vehicles must obtain a Slough Borough Council issued Certificate of Compliance from a designated garage every six months so long as the vehicle is licensed.

(d)  Appropriate seat belts must be provided for all passengers in the forward and rearward facing seats.

(e)  All tyres and rims must comply with or exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements or specifications.

(f)  All windows in the drivers cab area shall conform to current legislation with regards to tints.

(g)  All glassware provided by the proprietor for use in the vehicle shall be in polycarbonate or shatter-proof glass.