Welcome to Limo Blog - The home of the limousine industry!

We are updating the LimoBlog very soon to bring you the very best information, links and news around the industry.

Limo Blog will be updated on regular basis by fellow limousine operators to help visitors find useful information.

We have also added links for visitors to comment on every page, so please feel free to have your say.

If you wish to post your own articles, you are welcome to do so by simply signing up.

We received a petition asking… “We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to introduce a single limousine licensing system for all limousines (1 to 16 passengers).”

Details of Petition:
“At present none of the laws truly fit stretched limousines, these vehicles are being forced into legislation which is neither appropriate nor fair. There are at present 2 main associations representing this industry who have been trying to lobby this cause only to have most doors blocked by unfair and antiquated law. Its time this industry of over 10,000 (tax paying) limousines had a say and the government allowed VOSA/DVLA and the police to work with this industry instead of against. Very soon proposed and badly thought out legislation will force over 50% of these vehicles of our roads simply because the industry has had no say and not because they are dangerous. Over 30 years the stretched limousine industry has been in business in the UK and not 1 single person has been killed in one. The safety record speaks for itself!!!”

Read the Government’s response…
The Government is aware that there has been some confusion surrounding the licensing and safe operation of stretch limousines. The Department for Transport issued Guidance for Operators of Stretch Limousines in January, which sets out clearly the requirements for the safe and legal operation of this type of vehicle.

The law is clear in this area. Virtually any motor vehicle used in Great Britain to carry passengers for hire or reward on a commercial basis needs a licence of some kind. The type of licence required depends upon on the capacity of the vehicle and the type of hire or reward operation undertaken rather than the type of vehicle used. Operating without the requisite licence is a criminal offence.

For vehicles constructed or adapted to carry more than 8 passengers, the licence required is a public service vehicle (PSV) operator’s licence issued by the Traffic Commissioner. For vehicles adapted to carry 8 passengers or fewer, it is either:

• a taxi or private hire vehicle (PHV) license if the vehicle is hired out, with a driver, as a whole (taxis can ply for hire, PHVs can only take pre-booked hirings). These licences are administered by the relevant local authority who have discretion on what vehicles they will license (DfT has issued guidance to the licensing authorities advising them to consider any applications for PHV licences for limousines on their merits rather than formulating local policies which effectively rule out limousines altogether);
• a PSV operator’s licence if it is used for carrying passengers at separate fares “in the course of a business of carrying passengers”, once again issued by the Traffic Commissioner.

To legally carry more than 8 passengers on UK roads the vehicles must comply with various parts of the Construction and Use Regulations 1986, including Schedule 6 (Minibuses). Vehicles of the stretched limousine type, at present, do not - in particular they often do not have adequate emergency exits, the turning circle is too large and the lights, tyres and glass are non-compliant.

If constructed to meet the required standards there is nothing stopping a limousine from obtaining a Certificate of Initial Fitness (COIF) and operating as a PSV using a PSV operator’s license.

From Summer 2008, a new pre-registration inspection will prevent the registration of limousines that do not comply with the Construction and Use regulations. This should have the effect of ensuring that in future, larger limousines (with more than 8 passenger seats) are able to comply with the COIF standards that must be met for the limousine to be licensed to carry paying passengers.

Limo Broker..

Welcome to dedicated page for Limo Broker, the UK’s leading limo hire provider offering a national service.

Limo Broker™ is the UK’s leading limousine hire broker, working with some of the UK’s top limo companies to offer a nationwide service unmatched by any of our competitors. Having many years of combined experience we know exactly what it takes to organise limo hire for a whole range of events from limo hire for weddings to corporate hospitality events. No matter what your event requires, chances are we’ve done something similar in the past and can arrange every detail for you.

At Limo Broker we are aware that limo hire can be a big investment and we know customers will shop around before deciding on the right limo hire company for them. Therefore, we aim to make the shopping experience easy, informative and inspiring by not only providing a wealth of information to our customers about the sizes and colours of limousines available in the UK, but also offering them comprehensive information about their rights, their safety and current limousine regulations to ensure they can make an informed decision.

Welcome to Limo Blog - The home of the limousine industry!

We are updating the LimoBlog very soon to bring you the very best information, links and news around the industry.

Limo Blog will be updated on regular basis by fellow limousine operators to help visitors find useful information.

We have also added links for visitors to comment on every page, so please feel free to have your say.

If you wish to post your own articles, you are welcome to do so by simply signing up.

A NEWLY wed couple are floating on air after celebrating tying the knot by taking a trip in a 1950s bubble car.

John Baguley and Darryl Taylor-Brown, from Cheadle Hulme in Stockport, got some strange looks from motorists on the A6 after they squeezed into his tiny 50-year-old three-wheeled Messerschmitt car to leave Stockport Register Office.

John Baguley, a bubble car enthusiast, accepted Darryl’s proposal of marriage, which was made in line with tradition on leap year day, February 29, earlier this year.

Do you have a post like this that you want to post here on Limo Blog? Sign up now and start posting now!

The New Democrats have accused Conservative MP Bev Oda of hiding thousands of dollars in limousine-ride expenses, incurred during her time as the government’s heritage minister.

Oda spent nearly $17,000 on limo rides in her party’s first 15 months in office, according to receipts obtained by the NDP through an access-to-information request.

New Democrat MP Charlie Angus said about half of that amount was never proactively included in publicly disclosed ministerial travel and hospitality expenses.

“This is a government that ran on an issue of accountability and transparency, and yet we see this immediate move to secrecy and a Treasury Board that breaks guidelines shamelessly,” Angus told CTV’s Mike Duffy Live.

It would not be the first time Oda has disclosed various expenses without including travel costs, Angus added.

In 2006, Oda paid back $2,200 to taxpayers after the Liberals found that she had incurred nearly $5,500 in limo rides at the 2006 Juno awards in Halifax. The amount was never mentioned on the disclosure of travel and hospitality expenses posted on the Department of Canadian Heritage website.

“Bev Oda has already been caught once with outrageous spending at the Junos and had to pay money back,” said Angus.

“Now we find out about thousands and thousands of dollars worth of undisclosed secret trips, like $1,300 for a limo ride in Toronto one day when she went to a Conservative meeting … Where does she live?”

That specific limo ride happened on March 17, when Oda billed $1,291.88 for a drive from her home to a Conservative candidate training session.

Conservative MP Jason Kenney said that Oda followed all the Treasury Board rules, and that the Tories still spend far less than the previous Liberal government.

“My understanding is that it was according to the appropriate guidelines,” he said. “The fact is, people know about our spending because we post them and it’s all transparent.

“I can tell you, as (Government House Leader) Peter Van Loan pointed out in the House of Commons, whether it’s legal expenses or minister expenses in general, they are way, way down from what they were before.”

However, the Conservative expenses referred to by Van Loan do not include some travel expenses, such as the $5,500 that Oda billed taxpayers for her Juno limo rides — an amount still not listed on her expense disclosure.

The Custom Motor Show 2009 has been announced to take place at Farnborugh FIVE.

The Venue…

As of 2009 The Custom Motor show and its sister event, The Limo Show, will be held exclusively at Farnborough’s prestigeous FIVE venue.

FIVE is located in Farnborough and is easily accessed via the M3 and is within a 20 mile radius of London. It is one if the finest NEW venues to be constructed in the UK, and the home of another prestigious event: The International Air Show.

FIVE caters for up to 100,000 visitors and has extensive camping areas locally, comprising of hard standing and landscaped display areas with 4,000 sq metre indoor exhibition hall.

Latest News
Custom Motor Show - The Mad Rush
29th April 2008

Within the first 12 days the Custom Motor Show are pleased to announce that all exhibition space in the main FIVE hall for limousines and classic cars is now sold out. We still have limited availability for Custom Cars, Bikes and Booths.

Due to unprecedented demand, additional space for further limousines and classic cars has now been released in marquee number 1. To reserve you space, visit the exhibitor’s page.

New Sponsors Announced
24th April 2008

AACI
AACI, the UK’s largest American car club, has committed to sponsoring and displaying at the show. Over 100,000 people attended the AACi events during 2007. We are sure their expertise and knowledge will make the show a fantastic experience.

Barons (BMW)
Barons (BMW) sponsor show. Barons is the UK’s largest BMW dealer, with one of the finest selectios of BMW’s in the country, located next to FIVE. Support our sponsors, next time you wish to purchase a BMW, head to Barons!

T: 01252 518185

Fulton Leasing
Fulton Leasing, now celebrating over 30 years of trading, is now considered one of the UK’s leading contract hire and leasing companies. We are proud Fulton has placed its faith in our show.

Hughes Of Beaconsfield (Chrysler)
A family owned business, Hughes Of Beaconsfield have been serving the area for over 50 years. They promise a professional, friendly and relaxed experience whether you are coming in to have your car serviced or taking a look at buying a new Chrysler.

T: 01494 672141

Redvers Limos
Well known in the limousine industry, Redvers are always on call to help repair and service your limousine.

T: 0845 838 2012

Limo Broker
LimoBroker.co.uk are pleased to sponsor the show gala. One of the Internet giants of our industry, a big supporter of our show, and a great source to hire limousines from.

T: 0871 789 6655

LimoSpares.co.uk
Already committed to the show, Limospares supply a vast array of equipment for the limousine industry.

T: 0791 9381686

LimoSupermarket.co.uk
LimoSupermarket.co.uk, one of Europe’s best suppliers of quality NEW limousines. Specialising in giving the customers a great deal, and selling many makes including Krystal, Galaxy, and Royal Coach. Visit www.limosupermarket.co.uk.

Allstrechedout.co.uk
The biggest of them all, the daddy of the industry is proud to sponsor The Custom Motor Show. The oldest and most established limousine sales agent in the UK, having over 25 limos in stock. Call for details.

T: 01633 282233

Limotrade.co.uk
Specialising is quality used limos and spares, Limo Trade is no stranger to the limousine industry. Vehicle sourcing is also their speciality. Speak to dave on 0870 950 2017 for used limousine requirments.

LimousineChauffeur.co.uk (industry magazine)
The world’s biggest online limousine magazine. www.limousinechauffeur.co.uk boasts over 150,000 people in its database. Sponsor of our show, we are pleased to be promoted in their publication.

Bad Island Toyz
Some of the world’s most amazing custom choppers will be exhibited from Bad Island Toyz, a visual feast for those petrol heads amongst us.

Specialist Cars Of Basingstoke
The name says it all, specialising in upmarket vehicles like Phantom Rolls Royce, Aston Martin and classic 60 & 70’s vehicles. Specialist Cars will have some fantastic vehicles on display.

Ferrari Limo to Exhibit
23rd April 2008

The world’s only Ferrari limo has already committed to attend The Custom Motor Show 2009. A huge crowd puller, the Ferrari can be previewed @ www.ferrarilimo.co.uk.

MissLimo.com
20th April 2008

Miss Limo finals will be at the show, cast you eyes over the website www.misslimo.com. Over 500 girls are competing online to win a place in the final.

The Limo, Custom & Classic Motor Show
18th April 2008

The Limo, Custom & Classic Motor Show has been announced!

All enquiries are invited for exhibition space, and tickets. This will be the motoring show NOT to miss in 2009 and is billed to be the biggest custom and classic show in UK.

Offering limousine hire in all areas of London and the Home Counties.

Website: Limo Hire London
Telephone: 0871 789 66 55

• Pink limos…
• Hummer limos…
• Fire engine limos…
• Range Rover limos, BMW X5 limos, Audi Q7 limos and many more Jeep limos…
• Chrysler limos…
• Wedding car hire…
• And much more…

For more details, please visit the link above to direct to our London limo hire webite or call us on: 0871 789 66 55.

We received a petition asking… “We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to introduce a single limousine licensing system for all limousines (1 to 16 passengers).”

Details of Petition:
“At present none of the laws truly fit stretched limousines, these vehicles are being forced into legislation which is neither appropriate nor fair. There are at present 2 main associations representing this industry who have been trying to lobby this cause only to have most doors blocked by unfair and antiquated law. Its time this industry of over 10,000 (tax paying) limousines had a say and the government allowed VOSA/DVLA and the police to work with this industry instead of against. Very soon proposed and badly thought out legislation will force over 50% of these vehicles of our roads simply because the industry has had no say and not because they are dangerous. Over 30 years the stretched limousine industry has been in business in the UK and not 1 single person has been killed in one. The safety record speaks for itself!!!”

Read the Government’s response…
The Government is aware that there has been some confusion surrounding the licensing and safe operation of stretch limousines. The Department for Transport issued Guidance for Operators of Stretch Limousines in January, which sets out clearly the requirements for the safe and legal operation of this type of vehicle.

The law is clear in this area. Virtually any motor vehicle used in Great Britain to carry passengers for hire or reward on a commercial basis needs a licence of some kind. The type of licence required depends upon on the capacity of the vehicle and the type of hire or reward operation undertaken rather than the type of vehicle used. Operating without the requisite licence is a criminal offence.

For vehicles constructed or adapted to carry more than 8 passengers, the licence required is a public service vehicle (PSV) operator’s licence issued by the Traffic Commissioner. For vehicles adapted to carry 8 passengers or fewer, it is either:

• a taxi or private hire vehicle (PHV) license if the vehicle is hired out, with a driver, as a whole (taxis can ply for hire, PHVs can only take pre-booked hirings). These licences are administered by the relevant local authority who have discretion on what vehicles they will license (DfT has issued guidance to the licensing authorities advising them to consider any applications for PHV licences for limousines on their merits rather than formulating local policies which effectively rule out limousines altogether);
• a PSV operator’s licence if it is used for carrying passengers at separate fares “in the course of a business of carrying passengers”, once again issued by the Traffic Commissioner.

To legally carry more than 8 passengers on UK roads the vehicles must comply with various parts of the Construction and Use Regulations 1986, including Schedule 6 (Minibuses). Vehicles of the stretched limousine type, at present, do not - in particular they often do not have adequate emergency exits, the turning circle is too large and the lights, tyres and glass are non-compliant.

If constructed to meet the required standards there is nothing stopping a limousine from obtaining a Certificate of Initial Fitness (COIF) and operating as a PSV using a PSV operator’s license.

From Summer 2008, a new pre-registration inspection will prevent the registration of limousines that do not comply with the Construction and Use regulations. This should have the effect of ensuring that in future, larger limousines (with more than 8 passenger seats) are able to comply with the COIF standards that must be met for the limousine to be licensed to carry paying passengers.

All the big kids out there know that you are never too old to enjoy a theme park and the ultimate theme park experience for kids young and old is Alton Towers. Alton Towers will take you on a wild ride through your favourite movies as well as scare even the most hardened thrill seeker on the world famous rides.

However, if you are heading to Alton Towers, you want to go prepared, and what do you do if dad thought he could handle one last ride on the Nemesis but now, isn’t sure if he can drive you all home?

Well, you hire your family a limousine to take you out to Alton Towers and back again. You will be able to ride as many stomach-churning rides as you like and simply slip into the plush seats of the limo on the way home and enjoy the way the long wheelbase absorbs all of the bumps in the road.

Once your limo chauffeur has dropped you off at the entrance, you are free to head straight into Alton Towers; the chauffeur will worry about the parking.

After experiencing all of your chocolate dreams come true on the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ride, your family can take a trip on the Runaway Mine Train through mine shafts along rickety rails and watch the trees and rivers speed by on the out of control locomotive!

To cool off after your adrenalin pumping rides, dive into the Congo River Rapids ride and take a white water adventure ride through swirling rapids and into rocking waves and walls of water.

When you and your family have tried all of the rides at Alton Towers, you may not be feeling woozy, but you will probably be tired from all of the excitement. Therefore you will be glad you hired your limousine chauffeur to pick you up again at the end of the day. Now you can sit back, relax and relive the best theme park experience your family has ever had.

For more information about limo hire packages to Alton Towers, contact your local limo hire company. To find a limo hire company in your area, please visit the LIMO HIRE section on the top menu of this page.

World leaders are often under the spotlight and need to be sure of their transport’s reliability, safety and comfort. Therefore they often choose the latest and most sophisticated limousines as their official transport.

Limousines offer advanced privacy, from driver to passenger as well as from passenger to the outside. Limousines also lend themselves to being chauffeur driven and the emphasis is often just as much on the comfort and facilities of the rear passengers, as well as for the driver.

This can be seen in the choice of limousines for the American Presidents. For his second inauguration in 2005, President George W Bush chose the new model Cadillac DTS limousine. This was also the new model Cadillac’s first use. The new Cadillac limousine was customised for President Bush and was armour plated.

Former US Presidents were also no stranger to the luxury car, Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson all rode in a 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan.

Like President Bush, Eisenhower was one of the first to ride in an Eldorado in the 1953 Inauguration Day Parade.

The affinity with the limousine did not only capture Western leaders. After Stalin presented Mao Zedong with five bullet proof stretch limos in the 1950s, the style and class of these limousines bread envy among China’s top leadership and so Mao ordered the creation of the Hong Qi, meaning Made in China, version of the Soviet limousine for his staff.

These limousines were hammered by hand and production was very slow, so in the 1960s and ‘70s, there were 100 Hong Qi Red Flag limousines for the use of China’s top leadership.

There is now a Red Flag limousine service operating for tourists and sightseers in Beijing who can travel around the city in a ‘Madame Mao’s Red Flag’ stretch limousine.

Presidential limousines are generally based on limousines in production for domestic use and you can therefore choose to hire models of limousines similar to those ridden in by the world leaders. For more information about the limousines available in your area, contact HireLimos now.