Allister reveals Wilson move on wedding limousines
23 January 2009
Statement by TUV MEP Jim Allister
"In November I wrote to the DOE Minister raising an apparent conundrum which affects wedding hire companies. In Northern Ireland soft top vehicles, American stretch vehicles and left-hand drive limousines cannot qualify for PSV. I am informed that on the GB mainland such vehicles are exempt. This is not the case in Northern Ireland. This means that there is a difficulty if they are used for hire in weddings because full compliance with taxi requirements are not met.
Following my representations, Mr Wilson has informed me that he intends to amend the PSV regulations to allow American style stretch limousines to be licensed as public service vehicles. This is a welcome move and will ease their popular use in weddings and for other purposes.
In relation to soft top vehicles and 2 door vehicles, I welcome the fact that the Minister is prepared to exempt such vehicles under the Taxis Act NI 2008, so that their use for weddings might be regularised. I look forward to this being done "as a matter of priority", as promised."
