Improving safety of party cars

Feb 15 2008

THE first phase of a new package of measures to help improve the safe operation of stretched limousines and keep unlawful vehicles off the road has been unveiled by Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick.

New guidance will sit alongside new stringent pre-registration checks coming into force in the summer to make sure stretched limousines with more than eight passenger seats meet UK safety and environmental standards.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: "The popularity of stretched limousines has soared in Britain and we are determined to ensure that they are used safely. We all know that limousines are great for parties but it is important that these vehicles meet the required construction standards and are properly licensed and registered.

"This new guidance will help operators to ensure that their vehicles can lawfully be used on our roads. In the summer we will also be introducing a strict pre-registration check to help make sure unsafe stretched limos are kept off our roads."