Police blitz on party limousines

By Andy Whelan

Henry the sniffer dog checks the inside of one of the limousines
Dozens of vehicles were stopped during a police crackdown on party limousines.
Police targeted limousines carrying stag and hen parties but also checked other vehicles.

Officers pulled the vehicles into Madeira Drive, Brighton, where they were tested by Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) staff.

Thirty six vehicles were stopped and VOSA issued 27 notices for a variety of offences.

Two limousines and five vehicles were seized by police for motoring offences.

Sergeant Mel Doyle from Hove Road Policing Unit said: "We are targeting stretched limousines to make sure they are safe and legal.

"But we used our time to check other road users we suspected might not comply with relevant road traffic law.

"Limousines are one type of road user which gets neglected. This was the first time we have targeted them this year."

Police were concerned with the safety of limousines because many of those seen in Brighton and Hove have been imported from America.

Cars made in America often don't comply with British law. For example, there can be too great a distance between the wheel bases.

Traffic officer PC Gary Relf said: "Thousands of American limousines have come into Britain and the majority aren't up to the necessary standard.

"Many then head to Brighton every weekend because it is a popular place for parties. We want to make sure the vehicles are legal so people are safe."

Officers escorted the groups of revellers from the back of the limousines to their destination while the vehicles was being escorted to the testing site next to Brighton's Palace Pier on Friday.

The road policing unit was joined by Police Community Support Officers, Special Constables and dog handlers.

Members of Brighton and Hove city Council's taxi licensing team were also on hand to inspect driving licences.

Officers issued 20 fixed penalty notices for a variety of offences.

Three vehicles were tested positive for class A drugs using an Ion Track swab testing kit.

A driver was arrested for driving while disqualified and another on suspicion of drink driving.

Earlier this month limousine company Travelmasters Limited in Warren Road, Brighton, was fined £2,400 and ordered to pay £6,700 costs by a court for operating unlicensed vehicles and drivers.

The firm was prosecuted following spot checks in December 2006, when officers checked 21 limousines.

Police urged everyone who orders a limousines to check the credentials of the company they are booking with.

Two limousines and five vehicles were seized by police for motoring offences.

Well, two less limos there then and how many to go??

Sheffield council was supposed to have agreed that they need licenses but looks like they forgot to tell the limo companies