Limo Hire Blog

When you have completed a long haul flight, whether it is for business or pleasure, few things can be as welcoming as having a genuine 'meet and greet service' at the airport from a uniformed chauffeur, ready to whisk you to your destination. Cars for Stars is UK based, award winning, licensed operator of chauffeur cars and limousines, who offer a genuine national service, serving all of the major UK airports. Their 'meet and greet' service means that your chauffeur meets you off your flight, in the arrivals hall, assists you with your luggage and then escorts you to your executive chauffeur driven car or limousine, ready for your onward journey. You can then sit back, relax, whilst reading a complimentary newspaper and sipping some mineral water.

With branches adjacent to the major London airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick, Cars for Stars is ideally located to offer a swift and efficient transfer to any destination within the UK, including, if required, inter-airport transfers. The Cars for Stars airport meet and greet service will ensure that you or, perhaps your guests, are met by a uniformed chauffeur with a name board. the chauffeur will then escort you or your guests, together with their luggage to the waiting chauffeur driven cars car, people carrier or stretched limousine.

The London office of Cars for Stars is fully licensed with the Public Carriage Office (PCO) for both their chauffeur driven cars and their limousines, providing you with the comfort and knowledge that the chauffeur have been subjected to a regular medical and a criminal records bureau check. In addition, the the chauffeur cars and limousines are subject to rigorous and regular checks to ensure that they are roadworthy and meet the very high standards required to maintain a PCO licence.

The UK authorities have introduced the Road Traffic Act 2006 which contains an amendment to the legislation that allowed limousine companies to operate under what became know as the '7 day rule'. As a result of the amendments, from the 1st January 2008, all limousine companies will have to be registered either as a private hire operator, through their local council or as a bus operator a licence which is issued by the Traffic Commissioners.

So, is this the end of the line for limo companies. Maybe not, but it will certainly mean that they have to invest more money into their business, or pack up and find something else to do. Why? Well, if they have to obtain a private hire licence for their business, then all of their chauffeurs' will have to also be licensed, this means they will have to pass a medical and a criminal records bureau check. This has a cost and time implication. Each chauffeur will have to pay the local authority for his licence, pay for a private medical and also pay for the CRB check. Not the end of the world, but the CRB check can take months, so if they haven't started the process already, then there is good chance that there will be fewer limo hire businesses operating on the 1st January.

Then of course, the limos will have to be licensed, now this is much easier than it used to be because most local authorities have been instructed to encourage licensing, rather than obstructing. However, most of them will require the limo was built by a coachbuilder that was part of the original manufacturers approval scheme and that it has an SVA. The former, can probably be negotiated with most local authorities, but the latter will not. In the past, most limousines were considered to be 10 seats plus, as a consequence, they were not required to have an SVA. Now, the local authorities are arguing that all private hire vehicles can seat a maximum of 8 passengers and therefore, they should have an SVA. In fact, this is an issue where the local authorities are digging in their heals, it will be interesting to see what the final outcome is, especially if limo companies start to appeal the decision.

Of course, the limo companies could also apply for a bus operators licence, but this comes with strings. The usual licence is a Restricted Licence, and this means that the limo company can only operate a maximum of two vehicles, this could be a problem for some. The Traffic Commissioners are more lenient when it comes to the vehicles, but all of the operators will have to conform to their other duties and you can rest assured that the powerful bus and coach lobby group will be keeping a close eye on developments and reporting any infringements.

Therefore, the bottom line is, unless these operators have already started the process, they may find that come 1st January 2008, they either cannot operate, or will have to do so illegally. There is also a good chance that the smaller (part-time) companies will just throw in the towel, because it is probably not worth their while going through this whole rigmarole for one or two hires a week. In my opinion, therefore, whilst it is not the end game for limo operators, there will certainly be less of them trading from 1st January 2008 and maybe that is no bad thing.

It can be difficult finding a reliable company in the UK to provide a chauffeur cars or limousines, but Cars for Stars is a good place to start. They are an award winning, London based organisation offering a wide range of American stretched limos and a comprehensive selection of chauffeur driven cars, including to marques such as the Rolls Royce Phantom, Maybach 62 and Bentley Arnage. Better still, Cars for Stars because Cars for Stars has the largest national network of its kind limousine and chauffeur cars in the UK, there is a very good chance, that wherever you live or travel to in the UK, there will be a nearby Cars for Stars office. Cars for Stars head office is based in London and the operation is fully licensed by the Public Carriage office for private hire and all of their local branches have similar licensed vehicles which are issued by their respective local authorities.

So you are running a limousine business and you want to increase your profile on the internet. One way is to optimise your website, always a worthwhile exercise if you can do it yourself, but, if you have to emply the services on a SEO specialist in can be expensive exercise.

The alternative is to list your limousine business in one of the many specialist niche directories on the internet that feature limousine hire businesses. These directories typically optimise their sites to allow local searches, allowing you to list your business by town, city or county. Because most people who want to hire a limousine conduct a ‘local search’ good quality directories can offer an excellent return on your investment.

Aside from the marketing benefit you receive from your business listing, if the directory allows you to add your website URL, then you can also assist your company website promotion with an additional backlink. If the listing page has some Google PR, then so much the better, but you should not make this aspect the reason to list. Most directories charge only a nominal fee for entry which is typically payable annually, although some of the more expensive directories will charge monthly.

One such directory, which specialises in both chauffeur cars and limousine is the Chauffeur Cars & Limousine Directory. This specialist nich directory covers limousine hire, wedding cars, chauffeur cars and specialist vehicles for hire such as fire engines. This directory charges a small annual fee. Another good resource for enquiries is Yell.com, although featured listings are quite expensive, it is a high traffic site and any return on investment will always be relative.

Here are a list of UK directories dealing with Limousine Hire Companies

www.limousine-hire-directory.com

www.limodirectory.co.uk

www.uk-limo.co.uk

www.uklimodirectory.co.uk

Top tip: There are also a number of general directories that feature well for limousine hire searches, if you complete a number of local keyword searches, you may well be able to determine which directories feature best for your area.

So, you want to hire a limousine, but you don’t want to spend a fortune doing so, well the good news is it is fairly easy to do.

The busiest time for limousine companies is Friday evenings, Saturday and Saturday evening and of course Sunday. If you want to secure the best deal, then try and book outside the peak times. Most limousine operators offer very favourable rates for hires during their quiter period. In addition, because fewer hires take place during the off-peak period, you will also get a wider choice of limos.

So why not take a day off work or rearrange your schedule and save a packet?  

Whilst you may be saving money, don’t compromise your standards or personal safety, make sure that you know exactly what vehicle you are going to receive by insisting on viewing images of the actual limo or visiting the operator in person. In addition, don’t be tempted to hire a limousine from an unlicensed limousine operator. Following the introduction of the Road Safety Act 2006, from January 2008, all limousine companies are required to be licensed, either as a private hire company through the local authorities or as a Public Service Vehicle Operator, a licence issued by the Traffic Commissioners. You wouldn’t get into an unlicensed cab, so don’t take a chance when you are hiring a limousine. Unfortunately there are still far too many unlicensed limousine operators in the country.

Finding a local company is simple. You can pick up your local Yellow Pages or use the most favoured method, by conducting a search on the internet. If you use the latter, there are many specialist niche directories that list limousine for hire by county or town, so you can easily navigate down to a local company.  Tip: Use the search string ‘limousine hire directories’.

Another tip for getting better value from your hire is to opt for a continuous hire rather than a separate outbound and return journey. Because most limo companies accepting separate fares will have to return to base, a premium is often charged for this service, it can sometimes be less expensive to go for a continuous hire, whereby you retain the vehicle for the duration, you will also have the added benefit of being able to use it during this period for anyone who wants to go onto another venue, or home early. It doesn’t always work, but when you ask for a quote, why not ask the companies to quote you on both options, you will be pleasantly surprised by how little difference there is.

Finally, choose you limo company with care, if you are booking through a website, make sure it includes their trading address or their registered office, all companies are required to include this information. A failure to provide this information is not only an offence, but it is also an indication that the company is either ignorant of the law, or are prepared to flout it. This does not necessarily mean they are a ‘bunch of cowboys’ but it is an indication that you should tread carefully.

If you decide to use the services of a broker, rather than dealing direct with the limousine operator, make sure you know who is ultimately responsible if something doesn’t go to plan and insist that you are told well in advance which limousine you will be provided with. Again, make you that you check with the broker, that the company they are recommending are correctly licensed and don’t be afraid to ask for proof, no licensed limo operator would ever object to this reasonable request.

So, in summary, you can save money when you hire a limo by carefully selecting your hire date and time, to miss off-peak periods and you do not have to take any chances with your safety if you ask the right questions in advance of making your booking. Good luck!

We can all remember the advertising campaign, “let the train take the strain”, well the bottom line is they haven’t done great job. Regular or occasional users of trains will be all too familiar with the problems of high prices and overcrowding. Well enough is enough.

If there is a group of you heading towards a sporting event, town or city, you could save money by hiring a limousine instead. Let’s face it, a train just cannot take you door to door, so you must find your way to and from the station and if you happen to be going to something like a sporting event or a live event, you just know that the queues are going to be appalling. So why bother?

Hiring a limo for these types of occasions is not necessarily top of mind, however, the reality is it could be a convenient, stylish, comfortable and less expensive way to make your journey. Plus you get the added benefit of being able to stop off where you want to, watch the movies you like or just chill out with your favourite CD or DVD.

You can hire a limo from a professional limousine operator, based on 8 people sharing for a day for around £50 per head, now compare that with the train, where not only do you have to pay for the fare, you also have to pay either for a taxi to and from the station, or a combination of parking and a taxi fare. It is just for fair!

So next time there is a group of you that want to go to the same venue or location, give a limo company a call and compare the costs, you will be pleasantly surprised. Better still, you can be collected from your home address(es) and be taken direct to the venue. Not only that, but you don’t have to compromise your standards or safety to get a good price. There are many excellent, fully licensed limousine operators out there that will be happy to accept your business.

If you don’t have any friends who could recommend a good limo company, then you can search for one on the internet, or via one of the many specialist limousine directories. Top tip: To offer some comfort to the hirer, all limousine operators should be licensed, therefore you should ensure that they have either a Private Hire Licence or a Public Service Operators Licence. The former is issued by their local authority and the latter by the Traffic Commissioners. Do not be tempted to hire from any company that does not offer licensed limousines. After all, you would not get into an unlicensed cab and an unlicensed limousine is no different. Remember, licensed limousine companies must subject their vehicles to regular and very stringent tests, in addition, the chauffeurs must be licensed, which means that they must pass a medical and a criminal records bureau (CRB) check.

So, forget the train, let the limo take the strain!

Royal Ascot week is the event of the year for those seeking a little glamour, a flutter on the horses and the chance to spend quality time with friends and colleagues. Increasingly, people want to arrive in style and a stretched limousine or prestige car such as a Rolls Royce Phantom, Maybach or Bentley Arnage is the order of the day. This article deals specifically with those seeking to hire a stretched limousine for Royal Ascot.

In the limousine operators calendar, Royal Ascot week is the busiest of the year, coupled with the fact that there are an increasing number of end of year school proms held at the same time. As a consequence, demand always outstrips supply, so the late comers tend to end up with the more questionable limousine operators, (yes there are a few) or some of the older limos, that have been dusted off for the week. So the first piece of advice is to book as early as possible, you simply cannot book your limo too early, many regular Royal Ascot fans will actually book a year in advance!

Finding a limousine company is not difficult there are, for example, many niche directories on the internet such as the Chauffeur Cars & Limousine Hire Directory (limos and chauffer cars) and the Chauffeur Cars Directory (chauffeur cars only). Utilising these specialist directories you will be able to navigate down to your nearest limousine operator, but remember, because of the limited supply, you may actually have to hire your limo from further afield, but this should not concern you too much, because most professional limo operators will not penalise you based on the fact that will have to travel a longer distance to commence the hire. To find the ‘right’ company requires a little more work.

A check list is provided below. Most limousine companies, but by no means all, will offer a package for Royal Ascot, typically this would include an open sided marquee, tables, chairs and some complimentary wine and/or Champagne. Most will not, however, offer an ‘inclusive’ package which includes parking and entry tickets. The majority of limo operators would prefer to leave these types of packages to the experts. But, to be certain what you will get for your money, insist on a written quote and a copy of their terms and conditions of hire.

Another important aspect of hiring a limousine for Royal Ascot is to ensure that the company you select for your hire is correctly licensed. In the past, it has been possible to limousine operators to trade without the need to apply for an appropriate private hire or PSV operator licence, this has now changed. Section 53 of the Road Safety Act 2006 introduced an amendment to section 75(1) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, covering hackney carriages and private hire vehicles in England and Wales (excluding London which is covered separately), whereby paragraph (b) was omitted. It was this paragraph that originally allowed limousine operators to operate without a Private Hire Vehicle licence or Public Service Vehicle Operators licence. Because the London area is covered by the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998, a further amendment was made to this particular Act to ensure that the Licensing requirements were uniform. This part of the Act will come into force from the 1st January 2008.

So the bottom line, is all limousines must be licensed from 1st January 2008 either as a Private Hire Vehicle (PCO Licence in London) or a Public Service Vehicle and the companies must hold the corresponding operators licence. This does not mean any hires accepted after 1st January 2008, but any hire completed after that date. So booking early will not negate the requirement that the limo company be properly licensed. So this year, more than previous one’s, it is essential that not only do you enquire as to whether the company is licensed, but also ask for proof, it is not beyond the imagination, that a few operators will flout the new regulations and if they do it following the introduction of this new Act, then it is most unlikely that the passengers will be insured. In addition, VOSA target limousine going to and from Ascot, it is a racing certainly that following the introduction of the new Act, they will have an even higher presence and, of course, VOSA are entitled to and probably will impound any unlicensed limousine.

Another aspect to consider when hiring a limousine is the number of passengers that can legally carried. For limousine operators that are either ‘licensed for private hire’ by their local authority or, in the case of London, by the Public Carriage Office, the maximum is 8 passengers. This is not something that can be negotiated on a case by case basis, it is mandatory. Holders of a Public Service Vehicle Operators licence can carry more, if, and only if, the limo has a Certificate of Initial Fitness (CoIF) and then, only for the proscribed number on the certificate. The chauffeur must also have an appropriate PCV licence. Please note, that there are literally just a handful of limousines that have a CoIF, don’t risk travelling in a vehicle without this and, if the limo operator claims to have one, ask them for a copy of the certificate for the limo YOU will be hiring. Given the very limited number in the UK (probably less than 20), no-one will object. There is one other way that up to 16 passengers can be carried using self-drive hire and a ‘contracted in chauffeur’, this is a questionable practice, with many legal ramifications, but at the time of writing this post, the law has not been properly tested in the courts (it undoubtedly will), however, this topic will have to be covered in another post. In the meantime, the best advice is to steer well clear of anyone suggesting self-drive hire with a contracted in chauffeur.

Once you have short-listed you preferred company, received a detailed quotation, together with their terms and conditions and then established that they are a bona fide licensed limousine operator, you will then need to clarify exactly which limousine they are proposing. Do not be fobbed-off with library pictures, or “we don’t know at this stage” and especially, “we sub-contract the hire to a third party”., this is simply unacceptable. If the operator is prepared to take a deposit off you, then they, at the very least, must provide you with images (inside and out) of the actual limousine you will be hiring. If all these of points are satisfied, the chances are that you will have whittled your way down to one preferred company, then it is decision time. Provided you are happy with everything and they provide you a booking form (or email/letter) to sign which outlines precisely what has been agreed and the price, then you should be prepared to hand over your deposit. Typically this will be around 25-50%, with the balance due, up to 4 weeks prior to the hire date. When paying a deposit, particularly if it is a relatively large amount of money, make sure you use a credit card, which in the unlikely event that the service is not provided, or the company disappears, affords you some protection, given you will be in a position to attempt a claim against the card issuer.

So, in summary, here are the Top10 tips for hiring a limousine for Royal Ascot racing.

1. Book as early as practicable (this is a very busy time of year and demand always outstrips supply)

2. Use the internet to search and take advantage of specialist directories that deal with limousine hire

3. Aim for a short-list of 2 or 3 companies

4. Ask about any special Royal Ascot Packages (these will typically include marquee, chairs, table and Champagne)

5. Insist that you receive a detailed quotation in writing, including what is covered in the price, the type of limousine and a set of their terms and conditions)

6. Make sure that they are a LICENSED LIMOUSINE OPERATOR. They must either be a ‘Public Service Vehicle Operator or be Licensed for Private Hire by their local authority (PCO in the case of London based operators)

7. Insist on knowing exactly which limousine you will be hiring, ask for images of the interior and exterior so that you can satisfy yourself that it is suitable and in good condition

8. Don’t allow yourself, or your party, to be carried in a vehicle that is carrying more passengers [typically a maximum of 8] than it is licensed or designed for

9. Run a mile is anyone suggests a self-drive option to circumvent the rules regarding the requirement for a CoiF where more than 8 passengers are going to be carried for hire and reward

10. Be prepared to pay a deposit of up to 50%, but pay by credit card for the added security

A final friendly word of warning, if you subsequently cancel the hire, be prepared at the very least to lose your deposit, if it is a late cancellation, you could be liable for the full cost of the hire, even if you haven’t paid the balance. The reason most operators are strict on this policy is because they will almost certainly have turned down dozens of hire enquiries because their limo(s) were booked out.

As the limousine business moves towards legitimacy in the UK with the requirment that they be properly regulated and licensed, it is a good time to consider whether they are just about glamour or can be considered a practicable form of alternative transport.

No-one can deny that being transported around in a limousine has its attractions and the with the added benefit of a bar, tv and DVD player is can be quite pleasant. However, if you have a group of up to 8 friends travelling to or from a destination, event or place, then it can actually be a relatively inexpensive form of transport.

Competition amongst limousine companies has ensured that prices are competitive and a night out in a stretched limousine with the maximum number of people carried may cost less than 40 per head. If you consider the cost, not to mention the difficulty, of each member of the party travelling to and from the venue or destination in a taxi, you would be surprised at just how inexpensive stretched limousine are.

Finding a limousine is not difficult either, logon onto the internet and chack out a few of the specialst limousine directories or try Yell.com and you will be sure to find a local company. However, be sure to check that they are correctly licensed, because you would not want your trip to be curtailed because the Police stop and impound the limo.

Its not difficult to find a limousine company in London, but finding one that has the correct licence, may be a little more challenging.

If you are one of those people that have given up on the Yellow Pages, then you could try their online version, Yell.com. There are also a growing number of specialist limousine directorieson the net and these can be located by using the following search strings, limousine+hire+directory. These specialist directories allow you to dig your way down to a limousine operator that is either closest to you or has the style or colour of limousine you want.

The next thing to do and this is probably the most important, is to ensure that they are correctly licensed. In London, limousine companies must either be licensed for private hire through the Public Carriage Office (PCO) or have an appropriate Public Service Vehicle Operator licence. This ensures that the chauffeurs have the correct drivers licence for the vehicle and have been subjected to both a medical and Police Criminal Records Bureau check. In addition, because each vehicle will have to be licensed separately, you will be safe in the knowledge that the limos have been subjected to a detailed and regular examination. If they don’t pass, then their licence is withdrawn until the remedial work has been completed.

Of course there are a good number of unlicensed limousine operators touting for business in the UK, but these should be avoided, both VOSA and the Public Carriage Office are looking to crack down on unlicensed operators, and as a consequence, it is not unusual to have your limo stopped by the Police. If everything is in order, you will be quickly on your way, but if there is anything untoward, there is a very good chance that the vehicle will be impounded and you will have to make you own way home.

If you are unsure as to the validity of an operators claim that they are licensed, then both the PCO and VOSA have websites where you can check or they provide a number where you can ask. Don’t let your occasion get spoilt by hiring from an unlicensed operator.

In short the answer is yes.

In the middle of 2006, the Road Safety Act 2006 was introduced which closed the ‘loophole’ by which companies could operate a limousine hire business without an operators or private hire licence. Because this was an amendment to an existing act and as a consequence of the material affect it would have on many existing businesses, a softly, softly approach has been adopted to the introduction meaning that the law will only be enforced from January 2008.

Therefore, from 1st January 2008, no unlicensed limousine operator will be able to avoid the risk of prosecution; given there has been ample warning in relation to the amendment to existing legislation. The most common form of licensing is a local authority approved ‘private hire licence’ or in the case of London, a PCO licence which is issued by the Public Carriage Office, part of Transport for London. It is also possible to operate a limousine business with an ‘Restricted Licence’ issued by the Traffic Commissioners, however, in this case, any vehicles which carry more than 8 passengers must have what is known as a ‘Certificate of Initial Fitness’ (most limousines cannot meet the requirements of this test) and the chauffeurs must have an appropriate Public Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence. Furthermore, operators with a Restricted Licence can only operate one or two such vehicles and the operation of these vehicles must be not be the primary business, it must be incidental.

Whilst you may think that whether or not a limousine company is licensed or not is a problem for them you would be wrong. If the enforcement agencies stop an unlicensed limousine, they will, in all probability, terminate the hire and it will be for the passengers to make their own way home. In addition, most people are aware of the risks of traveling in an unlicensed cab and yet, using the services of an unlicensed limousine company is no different. There is no obligation to have the chauffeur pass a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check and the vehicles do not have to undergo regular and stringent tests. That notwithstanding, consumers should ask themselves why, if a company is of good standing and their vehicles are in good order, they would not subject themselves to the appropriate licensing authorities, given they are offering a public service.

How can you be sure that the company you want to book your limo through is properly licensed. The only way is to ask, but do not just take their word for it, ask them what type of licence they have and then check that it is valid, this takes just a few minutes and ultimately it will be for your benefit. No professional, licensed limousine will every object to being asked about their licence, in fact, most will appreciate the fact that you have completed enough research to know the right questions to ask!

Another way to spot a potentially unlicensed limousine company is by the number of passengers they offer to carry. For example, no limousine company, that is ’licensed for private hire’ by their local authority, (or in London the PCO) can carry more than 8 passengers. Those limousine companies that operate under an ‘O Licence’ or ‘Restricted Licence’ can only carry more than 8 passengers if the chauffeur has an appropriate PCV licence and most importantly, the vehicle has a Certificate of Initial Fitness (COIF)It is this CoIF that is virtually impossible to obtain on a stretched limousine and there are literally only a handful of vehicles that have passed this test because of the cost of conversions. There is a very good chance, though not a guarantee that if someone offers to carry more than 8 passengers that they are not operating within the law, either as a consequence of the CoIF or the fact that they are not correctly licensed.

When hiring a stretched limousine is is very much a case of ‘buyer beware’, do not be tempted to allow your decision to rest purely on price, at the potential heightened risks associated with having to use an unlicensed company. And never be tempted to accept an offer to carry more than 8 passengers unless you have been provided with proof that the vehicle has a CoIF. Anyone that wants to be certain can check with their local authority to find out if a company is licensed for private hire or with VOSA if they claim to have a Public Service Vehicle Operator Licence and/or offer to carry more than 8 passengers. VOSA have a hotline for anyone that is concerned about the veracity of any claims given by an operator and their number is 0870 60 60 440. Companies using limousine exclusively for weddings or funerals are exempted from the amendments to the Road Safety Act 2006.

One such licensed limousine operator is Cars for Stars Limited who are licensed by the PCO in London and through the local authorities in the case of their franchises.