A Bradford-based
limousine hire operator has been fined �14,200
including costs after a series of extremely serious irregularities were discovered The
company received the £10,200 fine plus £4,000 costs for a range of offences including
driving without insurance, fraudulent use of registration plates, fraudulent use of
Vehicle Excise Duty and not having a PSV operator licence or a Certificate of Initial
Fitness (COIF). Mr ? also had 31 points endorsed on his driving licence at Leeds Crown
Court earlier this month.
The defendant originally claimed he had attempted to obtain an O-licence but this was disproved
and he then stated his intention to make an application in due course. He was instructed to
repay the debt at a minimum rate of £500-per-month, and warned that failure to do so would almost
certainly lead to a prison sentence. It was only after an exceptional hardship case was fought
that Mr ? escaped disqualification. He is also due to face proceedings for further offences,
again relating to a failure to obtain the correct PSV licences and O-licences and associated
offences.
VOSA�s Head of Traffic Enforcement Policy Neil Barlow said: "Although we are more than aware
that the majority of limousine operators conduct their business in a safe fashion, VOSA will
continue to crackdown on the reckless minority who put the public at risk in this way. The fines
imposed show just how seriously we take this issue, and this was an exceptionally good piece of
work from our team in Leeds".
VOSA is continuing to work with the Police, Department for Transport and industry groups to
ensure safe operation of this type of vehicle. We advise members of the public to check at
least the following points prior to making a booking. Does the driver hold a PCV driving licence
and has he been screened by the Criminal Records Bureau? Does the vehicle contain basic safety
items (first aid kit, fire extinguisher)
Limo Hire Leeds can assure you that we are at the forefront
of limo Hire across Leeds and most of the UK.
Our vehicles are maintained to a high standard and we take our customers safety very seriously.
If you are in any doubt please give us a call is you have any questions,
Limo Hire Leeds will try to answer all questions.
