Stretch limo licence confirmed

05 July 2007

THE Shadingfield-based Chevron Limousine and Executive Car Hire company has becvomes the first in Waveney to receive the required licence to operate stretch limousines legally.

By law limousine companies must have their cars registered as private hire vehicles - but Waveney District Council confirmed that so far Chevron was the only company to have applied for the licence.

Mike Chase, enforcement officer for Waveney District Council (WDC), is keen to spread the word on the importance of licensing these vehicles.

He said: “It's been a grey area for a while, but it has always been the case that limousines should have the proper limo licence. Chevron are the first to get it.

“I've had a word with police, and limos operating illegally will be dealt with.”

Joe London junior, who co-owns the company with his father Joe London senior, said: “We only purchased the stretched vehicle 18 months ago and therefore we wanted to make sure we are running legally.

“There's a lot of help out there to help you register, and we did everything right from day one.”

Chevron, who also offer two executive chauffeur cars and a 78 Rolls Royce for weddings, are one of at least six limo companies in Waveney, and Joe is anxious for the others to follow suit and get registered with the council.

He said: “It is very frustrating for us as we keep getting undercut by other companies because we're paying an extortionate amount of insurance.”

Joe concluded: “We were so happy when we got our license. And as we're the first we get the 'number 1' licence plate, which is the cherry on the top!”

To receive the license the limousine must pass a mechanical test as well as a test on the vehicle's appearance to make sure it is presentable.

There is then a driver's test, involving questions on the limousine's mechanics as well as local routes, similar to a taxi driver test.

Limousine companies can apply for the licence by calling Mike Chase at the WDC Food Safety and Licensing Team on 01502 523620.

For more information on Chevron telephone 01502 575471 or 07909 983009 or visit www.chevronlimos.co.uk.