Prom season is approaching and parents and carers across the city are reminded to make vital checks before hiring vehicles for the special night.

City of Wolverhampton Council’s licensing team is working with schools and other councils across the region to alert families to potential risks.

Officers are warning that not all companies that advertise the services of stretched limousines and other luxury or performance vehicles are licensed.

The following advice is being issued so people can be sure that the vehicle being booked is safe and legal. The type of checks needed depend on how many passenger seats the vehicle has.

Advice includes:

• Companies hiring out a vehicle and driver with fewer than nine seats may require a private hire vehicle operator licence from City of Wolverhampton Council. Ask the company if they are licensed and which local authority licenses them, then contact that authority to confirm.
• Parents/carers can also check to see if they are licensed online at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/licences/taxi-licences by clicking ‘Online Licence Registers’ and then selecting ‘Operators’.
• Companies hiring out a limousine with a driver with nine passenger seats or more must have a public service vehicle (PSV) operator licence, issued by a Traffic Commissioner. You can check online at www.gov.uk/find-vehicle-operators.
• If the company doesn’t have a licence, it could be operating illegally. You can report this at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/licences/taxi-licences/taxi-complaints or by calling 01902 55TAXI (01902 558294).

Officers warn that extra care is needed when booking services advertised on social media as this is where the unlicensed trade primarily operates.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Prom nights are special occasions for young people to get together and celebrate all that they have achieved.

“Unfortunately, we are aware there may be unscrupulous companies looking to take advantage at this time of year. The driver may not have had a criminal record check or the vehicle may not be roadworthy. In addition, unlicensed vehicles and drivers won’t be insured.

“Hiring a vehicle and driver that hasn’t been properly vetted and licensed could put your child and their friends at risk.

“Please consider making checks on the company you are thinking of hiring from to make sure everyone has fun and stays safe on Prom night.”