Make sure that hired stretch limos or novelty vehicles are properly licensed. That is the message from the council’s licensing team as the prom season approaches.

At the end of the summer school term, many primary and secondary schools mark the occasion with an annual prom or leavers’ celebration and parents should be aware of licensing laws which apply to hired transport.

And it’s not just proms that are affected, the public need to ensure that hired vehicles are properly licensed for other special occasions like birthdays or nights out.

Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, all private hire vehicles, their drivers and booking agents are legally required to have a licence issued by the council. This rule applies to any hire vehicle which can carry eight or fewer passengers and comes with a driver.

Vehicles carrying more than eight passengers are required to be licensed by the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency. The only exemptions to these rules are vehicles which are used for weddings and funerals.

Operating private hire vehicles without a license is an offence which carries a maximum fine of £1,000.

The council will investigate anyone who is found to be illegally driving or taking bookings for an unlicensed vehicle.

Operating or driving without the required licenses may also invalidate any insurance.

For more information, North East Lincolnshire Council’s licensing team can be contacted on (01472) 324035.