2008.09.10

New Stretch limo safety rules

UK government is changing rules and laws on stretch limousines operation due to increasing number of these cars.

British government is changing controls on stretch limousines and introducing a tough new safety inspection regime. Currently the Department for Transport published guidelines for stretch limousines operators to make sure their vehicles comply and meet safety and licensing standards.

Stretch limousines have become very popular in UK and amount of stretch limos have tripled over past five years. Currently there are around 15,000 stretch limos on UK roads and 4,000 of them carry more than eight passengers. The problem is that most of stretch limousines come to UK from the US. But US has different safety laws from UK, that's why the Department for Transport wants to prevent that US cars registered in the UK do not meet British safety standards.

Now British companies that have limousines with more than eight seats have to acquire a Private Hire Vehicle License. New safety checks will be introduced aimed on regulations on weight, dimensions, brakes, tires, doors, turning circle, seating, lamps and reflectors and glazing.

Britain government created such guidelines to ensure that stretch limousines are used safely. As there is a trend of growing demand and supply for extended limousines, it is important that they meet the required construction standards. In order to prevent possible car accidents stretch limousines have to be properly licensed and registered and the Transport Department must be sure that unsafe stretch limos are kept off the roads.