Proms

Contigo

Sponsor
Messages
18,376
At the moment we cannot offer prom services (laws regarding hire-reward) but we still get a larger number of requests... I was thinking that maybe someone on here might want to do them if I can put you in contact with the requester.
 

GeoffCapes

Member
Messages
14,000
Hate to think of the possible safe garding issues with this Phil...no wonder you decline.

I would imagine you first need to be DBS checked, and then you have to work round the hire-reward thing. Which I know can be done. But only if you do it as a 'one off' ;)


The DBS thing is becoming more and more prevalent (and so it should). I needed the certificate to do some school surveys recently.
 

Contigo

Sponsor
Messages
18,376
They catch us doing one with the business they (VoSA) can impound the cars. Each car needs to be registered as a "Hackney Carriage" on an operators licenses, registered with the council, MOT'd every 3 months and then insured. Who will insure a Ferrari or Maser as a Taxi? The answer is no one!!! Trust me we have explored every option and there simply aren't enough prom weekends each year.
 

Contigo

Sponsor
Messages
18,376
Why is this not the case for weddings too?

Comes under a separate umbrella completely. Weddings and Funerals. I guess they have a point, people need transport to a church for their big day and want to use a proper limo or smart car, For PROMS it's just about getting there and dropped off with no photo's or onto the venue etc...
 

jamesc69

Junior Member
Messages
495
They catch us doing one with the business they (VoSA) can impound the cars. Each car needs to be registered as a "Hackney Carriage" on an operators licenses, registered with the council, MOT'd every 3 months and then insured. Who will insure a Ferrari or Maser as a Taxi? The answer is no one!!! Trust me we have explored every option and there simply aren't enough prom weekends each year.

Yes, I looked into this. A waiver is also needed from your local planning department giving you the OK to run a private hire business from home. I did however manage to find one insurance company to offer Taxi Insurance cover for the princely sum of £3900 per year! https://www.towergateinsurance.co.uk/taxi-insurance

As mentioned above there are simply not enough prom nights to cover this.
 

jamesc69

Junior Member
Messages
495
Could you not just get a short term hire & reward policy?

I asked about that. You could pay monthly instalments and then cancel after the prom season but if any claims are made in the period then the full annual premium is payable. Maybe worth the risk for year 1, but I am sure the insurance market will be wise to you if you try it again the following season.
 

allandwf

Member
Messages
10,958
All stinks of money making. Bottom line is they are cars, for transporting people, doesn't matter to where or what for. You buy a car as a means of transport, and it also, in most cases, comes with passenger seats!
 

MrMickS

Member
Messages
3,951
All stinks of money making. Bottom line is they are cars, for transporting people, doesn't matter to where or what for. You buy a car as a means of transport, and it also, in most cases, comes with passenger seats!

It is and it isn't. Local government see hackney carriage licences as one way that they can boost their income given that so many other things are restricted, so they are taking advantage of it. Its a problem with the current way that they are funded. As a consequence they need to show value to the licence holders by going after anyone doing things without a licence.

On the positive side the issuing authority are ensuring that people operating are fit and proper people and using vehicles that are in good condition. I'd take all this with a huge pinch of salt though as I think that the money coming in overrides the checks in some circumstances...
 

allandwf

Member
Messages
10,958
Then why does a normal car have an annual MOT yet these need it three monthly? Are the passengers any more important?
 

MrMickS

Member
Messages
3,951
Then why does a normal car have an annual MOT yet these need it three monthly? Are the passengers any more important?

I'm guessing that they reckon that they see more abuse. Having seen the way some hackney carriage drivers drive I can well believe it ;)