Warning Over Unsafe Stretch Limousines

18 December 2006

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Stretch limousines are becoming increasingly popular across the UK catering for all sorts of partygoers, from teenage parties, hen night’s, end of school proms etc.

It such a luxury for all involved to step into a limousine, on mass, cocktails abounding and certainly a stress free way to travel to the chosen party venue.

But, in the first national operation to target limousines, police have found nearly two thirds are flouting the safety laws, many are un-roadworthy and potentially dangerous to all the passengers, while some have been linked to organised crime.

These shocking and rather disturbing findings were uncovered in an investigation by 20 police forces across the UK. The majority of the 6,000 limousines in the UK have been imported from the US, are over five years old and subject to no proper regulations. The police are very concerned that these vehicles could literally fall apart coupled with the fact that some of the drivers are, shall we say, rather salubrious in character.

Out of the 160 limousines cheeked, 66% had defects, 12 being so severe they were immediately taken off the road resulting in five arrests.

However, the chairman of the National Limousine Association, Harvey Muxlow, has expressed concerns and said he has sought government assistance to ‘clean up the operations’.

These rogues have tarnished the rest of the limousine trade but, simple things like checking the driver’s licence, asking to see servicing records, will give peace of mind. Riding in a stretch limousine is so exciting; it would be such a shame to see them go.

Jackie Violet Motoring Correspondent

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