A limousine operator from Buckinghamshire is celebrating after making history within his local council licensing authority.

30 year-old Richard Buck from Top Marque Limousines in Milton Keynes has become the first limo hire company to be licensed by Milton Keynes Council and has already allowed his company which is less than twelve months old grow from strength to strength.

Richard entered the business after being a full-time lorry driver and after a night out in a limousine, he soon got the bug and begun a long, hard battle to be recognised by Milton Keynes Council. Although the council have welcomed applications from the limo industry since 2008, it found that most operators were choosing to be licensed by VOSA instead, so no licenses had been processed until now.

The company decided to take a longer view for its business following recent news of VOSA changing the way it will licence the industry in the future. therefore, Richard decided to become a ‘Guinea Pig’ for the council and start the process of being registered for private hire, along with his fleet of two Chrysler 300 limousines.

Richard told thechauffeur.com; “The council was more than accommodating, but it was a long and drawn out process. They were quite excited over it all, as they realised that most limo operators may have to become licensed through the council eventually.”

After months of liaising with the council to complete the knowledge test, full medical and an enhanced CRB check, he was granted the licence which will hopefully pave the way for more companies to approach the council.

Richard added; “I just cannot understand why companies still operate illegal and un-roadworthy vehicles – especially with the high VOSA presence at school proms. I was recently pulled over at a school prom by a VOSA officer who was ordering all limousines to drive to the local station for a full inspection. After a quick look at my vehicle, I was the only car which was not inspected, which proves the benefits of purchasing a newer and registered vehicle.”

His two Krystal built vehicles were purchased from 1st4Limo Sales in Essex. The candy red and sky blue Chrysler 300’s instantly proved a success locally to the extent where 4-5 jobs a day had to be turned down by the company.

Richard commented; “We knew it would make sense in the end as the general public are far more aware these days of how to look for a legal limousine company, and parents want to be sure their children are safe. It now allows us to tell all our customers that our drivers have been CRB checked and the vehicles meet the correct requirements – it makes us stand out from the competition.”

Top Marque Limousines will be taking delivery of a bespoke party bus later this year. The vehicle which is based on a Volkswagen Crafter panel van, is aimed at catering for the ‘never-ending’ bookings for limousine for more than eight people.

Words and images by Paul Gibson

Got a story to tell? Email us at info@thechauffeur.com

Chauffeurs who provide a high-end service will be spoilt for choice as a baby version of the famous Phantom is now available.

Rolls-Royce promises that the new Ghost model will deliver peerless riding dynamics by making use of the very latest developments in chassis engineering.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO, Tom Purves, says, “The Ghost will be as refined and as cosseting as anything that this marque has ever produced. But it will have a dynamic vitality afforded to it due to the latest technology and engineering techniques. These have been bestowed on this car with the same care and attention as the more traditional materials within.”

Rolls-Royce Engineering Director, Helmut Riedl, says, “A Rolls-Royce should be effortless in every way: the way it accelerates, brakes and handles. It should do all of these functions with apparent ease regardless of the complex mechanicals that are working out of sight of the driver and passengers. The driver simply has to point the car in the preferred direction of travel and press the accelerator.”

He continues, “The individual technologies determining handling and safety work together controlled by dual Integrated Chassis Management systems meaning that even under vigorous testing the Ghost remains perfectly poised.”

At the heart of the Rolls-Royce Ghost’s magic carpet ride is a state-of-the-art chassis which uses an intelligent four corner air suspension system and multi link aluminium front and rear axles.

Designed to be fully integrated, each of the cars dynamic handling and safety systems has been engineered to work together in harmony. Systems such as Active Roll Stabilisation, four corner air springs and Variable Damping Control operate as one, imperceptibly to the driver and passengers to provide the best possible comfort for occupants and to ensure that the tyres maintain optimum contact with the road, even on rough surfaces for driving safety.

The new air suspension system is so sensitive that it can detect even the smallest of changes; for example the movement of a single rear passenger from one side of the seat to the other, and will compensate accordingly. The complex on-board computer system reads multiple inputs from sensors around the car – the dampers alone making individual load calculations every 2.5 milliseconds. This ensures not only perfect comfort but also precise steering and dynamics for the driver. The air suspension system also incorporates a lift and kneel function, raising or lowering the Ghost by 25mm. This can either assist with entry and exit or allow the Ghost to travel over uneven ground.

In engineering the Ghost, Rolls-Royce has delivered poise, precision and unrivaled comfort. The Ghost will be built on its own dedicated production line at Goodwood and will share paint, wood and leather workshops with the Phantom series of cars.

The exterior design is dominated by large, uninterrupted surfaces, while finely sculptured horizontal lines add definition and geometric precision. In combination, the upward-sweeping sill line and low-cut roof create a powerful profile. The tapered rear is enhanced by powerful shoulders and flanks that draw in sharply, narrowing as they flow from the rear wings to the tail-lights.

The rear-hinged coach doors give the car a natural presence and sense of theatre. Revived in 2003 on the Phantom, this signature feature lends added functionality and style to the design. Opening through a generous 83 degrees, the coach doors offer the widest rear access in the car industry as well as providing the warmest of welcomes to those about to step inside.

At the front, a pair of LED headlamps flank the latest evolution of the world’s most famous grille. The exterior of 200EX is finished in Darkest Tungsten, which contrasts with the silver satin finish applied to the bonnet and A-pillar. Seven-spoke, 20-inch wheels complete the visual impact of the exterior.

Within 200EX, Interior Designer Alan Sheppard has accomplished a contemporary atmosphere, incorporating the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars principles of fine materials and peerless comfort. The space is filled with natural light, which brings in a real sense of the outside world. However, substantial doors and a high shoulder line ensure that occupants feel cosseted and protected. In the rear, the intimate ambience of the lounge seat is emphasised by its position behind the C-pillar, heightening the sense of privacy.

Naturally, the finest materials have been used. Elegant, frosted lamps and chrome door handles feature, while details include traditional violin key switches, eyeball air vents, opaque dials and refined instrumentation.

The dashboard has been kept deliberately clear; it is spacious in its design and has an intuitive layout. The controls are neatly sculptured, with more important functions emphasised by accents of chrome. The soft light of the instrument panel glows through the familiar black-rimmed steering wheel, which itself incorporates a number of violin keys as well as an ergonomic roller-ball control.

See our exclusive video on the Rolls-Royce Ghost here.

Vehicle inspectors swooped on a Derbyshire school’s annual leaving event and found problems with nine out of 10 limousines hired by pupils.

More than 300 year-11 pupils from John Port School in Etwall were celebrating their last day of compulsory schooling in style when inspectors from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency moved in.

They had been alerted to the leavers’ event by a car hire company concerned by the growth in limousines and hire vehicles cashing in on the celebrations.

A VOSA spokeswoman said: “We were asked to attend and so we notified the school in advance of our intention.

“We were checking for mechanical defects, tyres and loading as well as for valid MOTs, operator licences and checking drivers’ hours. Unfortunately 90% of the vehicles checked were found to have licence or vehicle problems.”

South Derbyshire District Council and the police helped with the inspections.

A spokesman said defects were spotted on five of the vehicles, including problems with tyres, a lack of power steering and no seatbelts.

Other problems included vehicles not having the relevant operator’s licence, while one driver was reported to the police for driving not in accordance with a licence, he said.

Prohibition notices were given to eight of the vehicles. The drivers or owners will have to provide proof they are roadworthy before being allowed to operate again.

Traditionally, pupils club together to hire a variety of vehicles to travel to school on their final day, clothed in evening dresses and tuxedos.

The trend for hiring limousines, particularly by school leavers, has grown in recent years and this has prompted VOSA to run spot checks nationally during May, when many schools also have prom events in the evenings.

The VOSA spokeswoman said: “Anyone hiring limousines should make sure that they are being carried in a licensed vehicle and that it carries the appropriate paperwork.”

Vehicles with more than eight passenger seats used for hire must be operated by an individual or company that has been granted a PCV (formerly PSV) operator’s licence.

Councillor John Bladen, of the district council, said: “The results show we were right to carry out the checks.

“Licensed companies need to undertake necessary checks to make sure the vehicles are roadworthy and safe and drivers are vetted.

“Only if the vehicle has been properly examined will it be safe to carry members of the public.”

A spokesman for John Port School confirmed that pupils were unaware of the inspections.

He said: “We did not want to spoil the day but did not object to them being carried out.

“Pupils were only being carried one way in the vehicles so it did not affect them going home at the end of the day.

“We are shocked about the outcome of the inspections and will be issuing guidance to pupils and parents about hiring vehicles in future years.”

Mark Pinfield, who runs the Hire Brigade and drives a pink former Coventry Fire Brigade engine, said he was questioned about an operator’s licence.

He said: “I see why these things have to be done to keep people safe.”

VOSA says there are some useful questions parents can ask when inquiring about limousine hire.

Do you have an operator’s licence and what is the licence number?

How many passengers can your limousine carry? If more than eight, then the limousine must have a Certificate of Initial Fitness.

Does the limousine have a tachograph fitted? Any limousine with more than eight seats must have a tachograph fitted.

What type of licence does the chauffeur hold? All chauffeurs driving a limousine with more than eight seats must have a PCV (previously known as PSV) licence.

Source: thisisderbyshire.co.uk

The owner of a taxi firm has accused the council of being “vindictive” by effectively forcing a novelty limo-hire service he operates off the road by “unfairly” imposing conditions on its licence.

Huw Edwards, the boss of the Llanwnda based Huw’s Taxis, is furious that Gwynedd Council has stipulated that a converted fire engine, which he uses for kids’ parties and hen and stag nights, must specify a pick up and drop-off point to carry on operating.

But, according Mr Edwards, this is the first time any such condition has been imposed in the three years he has run the service.

In fact, on February, the council issued me with a licence with no condition yet a month later they have included this for no apparent reason.” However, the council denied this and said it is “not a new condition”.

Mr Edwards continued: “It doesn’t make sense, as with any kind of limo-hire style service, you can’t specify a pick up or drop-off point. What my customers do is book the fire engine and we pick them up from the home, drop them off at MacDonalds, Greenwood or wherever for a children’s party, and then we take them home again.

“There is no point running any kind of limo-service if the council intends to enforce this condition across the board.” He went on to accuse council officials of being “vindictive” and only introducing it because of his opposition to the Cabsafe scheme – a text messaging taxi booking service launched in the county last week.

Mr Edwards has been vocal in his criticism of this service which he labelled “anti-competitive” at the launch. “It is a bit of a coincidence that they introduce this condition to my licence days after I complained about Cabsafe.

“They are acting like big bullies pushing this through and spoiling all the fun for the children and adults who use the fire engine.”

Mr Edwards urged the council to reconsider its decision to effectively bar the fire engine service from operating. “They need to issue a new license without any of these conditions.” However, the council’s licensing manager Amlyn ab Iorwerth said: “The classic vehicle licence granted to this company stipulates quite clearly that the company must identify a specific pick-up and drop-off point from where all journeys must start and finish.

“We became aware that the licence condition was not being adhered to, and have sought to work with the company over several months to rectify this.

“This is not a new condition, we are simply asking that the company adhere to conditions under which the licence was granted but as yet have failed to do so. We have therefore suspended the licence until the situation is rectified.”

Source: Caernarfon Herald

Chauffeur – Chesham. Company chauffeur required for our client based in South Bucks. To be considered for this role successful applicants need to have a clean driving record,  a full understanding of traffic laws and the highway code, excellent interpersonal skills, good team player and be willing to undertake other driving duties within this forward thinking, progressive company.

Excellent salary working Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm with occasional Saturdays required. To apply please forward your CV.  We endeavour to respond to all applicants but if you do not hear from us within the next seven days please consider your application as unsuccessful. Apply here

Chauffeur – London. UKME provides a 6* service to our VIP client under the umbrella of luxury hospitality and property management. We are currently looking for high calibre, professional Chauffeurs to join our high performing operations teams in London on a seasonal basis from approximately April through to September 2010.

You will be responsible for chauffeuring our VIP Clients to various locations around London and the home counties. Additionally, this role requires our Chauffeurs to undertake tasks including washing vehicles, carrying luggage, driving vans and any other ad hoc duties that may be required.

If you have extensive driving experience around London in the Chauffeuring industry, are highly flexible, discreet, conscientious and hold a full UK drivers licence, then we would be interested in hearing from you.

To apply, please send your CV through to our Recruitment Team at recruitment@ukme.co.uk quoting reference MJG-CGL or phone 0871 704 1155 for further information.

While paying homage to past Bentley greats, the brief for the new Mulsanne’s design and engineering teams was to create a Bentley that represents the pinnacle of British luxury motoring.

The new Mulsanne, designed and engineered at Crewe from the ground-up, reaffirms the marque’s intent to create a new flagship Bentley with refined performance, unparalleled levels of interior luxury and coach building skills to the fore.

The design of the new Mulsanne is a unique fusion of sportiness, coachbuilt elegance and solidity. Echoing the Bentley S -Type of the 1950s, the Mulsanne features a bold frontal design dominated by the traditional Bentley matrix grille and highly prominent, classic round inner headlamps with chrome surrounds, flanked by two, smaller outboard lamp clusters, all featuring the latest in lighting technology. The iconic ‘Flying B’ retractable radiator mascot is available as an option.

The long bonnet, short front overhang and long rear overhang help to convey a sense of power and movement, reinforced by muscular haunches and sharply sculptured lines which flow gracefully from the front wings to the rear. Uniquely designed 20-inch (and optional 21-inch) wheels reinforce the Mulsanne’s powerful, sporting stance.

The body is produced in a new manufacturing facility at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe where traditional metalworking skills, developed over six decades, are still used extensively during the nine-week build process. It is the very opposite of volume-production car-building… but the very epitome of Bentley.

The rear screen, for example is fully enveloped by the coachwork. This provides a flowing, flawless line to the rear of the car, complementing the exquisitely formed D-pillars – whose complex curves can only be created by skilled coach-builders. The complex form of the aluminium front wings, impossible to achieve with normal pressing techniques, is created using superforming, a technology usually reserved for the aerospace industry. This also makes the wings lighter, stiffer and provides superb surface definition. New construction techniques meant the designers could also incorporate details such as the ‘floating’ elliptical LED tail lights, which uniquely echo the shape of the exhaust tailpipes.

To accentuate the beauty of the bodywork, the Mulsanne features ‘brightware’ exclusively in polished stainless steel, including sill treadplates and matrix grilles. Bentley is the only manufacturer in the world to do this.

The door handles incorporate the traditional Bentley ‘knurling’ to their inboard surface for enhanced grip, reflecting the company’s typical attention to detail, while .the sporting character of the Mulsanne is reinforced by front wing vents and wide oval tailpipe finishers.
Bentley customers have a world of infinite choice when commissioning their cars. There are over 100 paint colours in the range that include everything from unusual heritage colours, special satin and pearlescent finishes and duo-tone combinations.  But the choice does not end there. Through the bespoke world of Bentley Mulliner, unique colours can exactly match a customer’s vision and taste.

Sumptuous interior meets advanced technology

The latest in-car technologies are discreetly placed within the Mulsanne’s sumptuous interior. A multimedia system with 60GB hard disc drives satellite navigation, audio/video, personal data, telephone and Bluetooth® connectivity. The upper dashboard houses an 8-inch multimedia screen, positioned unobtrusively behind an electrically operated veneered door, while below sits a stylish, leather-lined media player stowage drawer with connectors for iPod, USB, Mini USB and 3.5mm aux.

A state-of-the-art 14-speaker audio system with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and 6-CD autochanger is provided as standard while the Naim for Bentley premium audio system may be specified as an option. This forging of two British luxury brands provides customers with the world’s most powerful production in-car amplifier with 2200 Watts, eight dedicated DSP modes and 20 custom-made speakers, delivering an unparalleled sound quality.

A personalised keyless entry system allows multiple pre-programmed configurations and automatically sets radio stations, phone book, seat (including ventilation and massage modes, both front and rear), steering column and seatbelt settings and even the electrically operated rear-seat blinds for side and rear windows. The keyless system operates with the chrome door handles which incorporate touch points to initiate communication with the key for verification and entry. The Mulsanne also features keyless start, having a stop/start button on the centre console.

The Bentley interior design team has continued to develop and evolve the luxurious interiors for which their cars are renowned, based on a large-scale, research programme to identify the classic signature features that have defined Bentleys from the 1920s to the present day.

Armed with this invaluable resource, the Mulsanne’s design team set itself highly challenging targets for key interior characteristics such as material design, smell, colour harmony and handcrafting. Similar targets were set for the operational refinement and robustness of all control mechanisms. The result is a hand-crafted interior that fully reflects traditional Bentley values, executed to the highest possible standards.

The use of wood and leather hides has increased significantly to create an even more refined and luxurious cabin. While classic design features such as bulls-eye air vents (now also fitted in the rear compartment), high-quality mirror-matched wood veneers, leather hides and hand-finished stainless steel are retained, they are mixed with new touches such as beautiful ‘glass’ switches.

The entire cabin is encased within a ‘ring of wood’ waistrail with an unbroken panel of wood gracing the Mulsanne’s dashboard. Inverted dial needles within the instrument cluster are evocative of early Bentleys while the entire dashboard and console design is a subtle reminder of the Bentley wings motif.

Customers may select from an extensive range of premium quality veneers, unbleached for a natural appearance, and two marquetry options: picture frame and contemporary crossbanding. True to the Bentley ethos, customers may also select from a virtually unlimited palette of leather hides, including 24 ‘standard’ colours, of which three are new for Bentley. This unrivalled choice of veneers, leather hides and paint colours ensures that the needs of all customers can be matched perfectly.

Following detailed customer feedback, a traditional tanning process has been re-instated to match the rich, worn leather smell that is so evocative of vintage Bentleys. Only a very few hide suppliers worldwide have the capability to do this.

The carpet of the Mulsanne is unique to Bentley, its increased fibre depth, density and feel enhancing cabin quality. It is available in a range of colours to complement each individual hide. Pure wool, deep pile Wilton-weave over mats can add a further touch of comfort and luxury.

These exquisite materials are fashioned by craftsmen and women with up to 40 years’ experience. Each steering wheel, for example, can take 15 hours to hand-stitch while stainless steel brightware gleams so perfectly thanks to an intensive 10-hour finishing process. A wood veneer takes five weeks to turn from a rough root ball into a full set of mirror-matched, fine-polished leaves.

Re-engineered V8 engine and new chassis: power, refinement and efficiency

The Bentley powertrain engineers were set three objectives for the Mulsanne where were to produce the effortless torque from extremely low revs that customers expect of a grand Bentley, to maintain the highest levels of refinement and to satisfy strict current and future environmental standards through improved engine efficiency.

While other powertrain configurations were considered early on in the project, it soon became clear that these targets could best be achieved with a totally revised version of the 6-litre V8 engine – the very configuration that had been used so successfully in the past. However for the new Mulsanne, all the major building blocks of the engine would be comprehensively re-engineered to integrate the very latest technologies.

To achieve a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2. emissions, the Mulsanne V8 sees the introduction of two new control systems: cam phasing and, a first for the ultra-luxury sector, variable displacement.

The pioneering use of these two technologies in combination allows the Mulsanne’s engine management system not only to adjust the V8’s breathing for improved engine idle quality and torque delivery, but also to close the valves of four of the eight cylinders for maximum fuel economy when cruising.

New lightweight componentry including pistons, connecting rods and forged crankshaft reduce reciprocating mass and internal friction for improved engine response.

These new technologies are complemented by the new eight-speed automatic transmission which, for the first time on a flagship Bentley, comes with steering-wheel mounted paddleshift.

Overall, CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are reduced by more than 15 percent, in line with Bentley’s environmental commitment.

Prodigious power and torque are complemented by an all-new chassis, unique to the new Mulsanne. Both lighter and stiffer than previous flagship Bentleys, the new chassis benefits both ride and handling.

A new Drive Dynamics Control system, operated by a rotary switch mounted next to the gearshift selector, can be used to choose from three standard modes – Bentley, Sport and Comfort – offering precise calibration of suspension and steering control systems.

A fourth mode, ‘Custom’, allows the driver to select bespoke settings via the multimedia system to ‘tune’ the Mulsanne to a preferred driving style.

A new air suspension system with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) creates an even more refined and comfortable ride at lower speeds, yet can reduce the Mulsanne’s ride height automatically at high speeds to reduce lift and improve aerodynamic stability. With 20-inch alloy wheels and 265/45 ZR 20 tyres as standard, dynamic handling is assured. Customers may also opt for 21-inch wheels, available in two styles, fitted with 265/40 ZR 21 tyres.

While the all-new Bentley Mulsanne pays respect to the past, it is a thoroughly modern luxury car that offers the world’s most exclusive driving experience – a unique fusion of power, refinement and elegance.

When you are busy running your company and the phone is ringing every two seconds, it can become too easy not to give new enquiries your full attention and let them slip through your fingers.

Ronald Gee discovers the best way to turn calls into cash…

As busy chauffeurs, we use the telephone on a regular basis, but do we promote ourselves to every caller and do we turn these valuable calls into cash? I am not saying that I have all the answers to all the questions — but these pointers maybe helpful to you in the future.

We must all consider the fact that virtually everyone is a caller to a business at one time or another. As a result, most individuals have experienced the pleasure of speaking with a pleasant and competent individual and this is the best possible approach. We need to be honest and if you are unable to help the client, make the effort to find someone who can and then ring the caller back. Doing this will probably make the client ring you back on another occasion.

Conversely, most adults have experienced the frustration of attempting to communicate with someone who fails to measure up to this description. As a caller, it is reasonable to expect the person who answers the telephone to be courteous, organised and helpful. If those qualities are not part of the caller’s experience, then there is a distinct possibility that a negative opinion will be forged about both the business as well as the person answering the telephone.

Phone answering skills are critical for businesses. Even though the web and email is a big part in running our businesses, the telephone is still most business’ primary point of contact with customers. The way you answer your company’s phone will form your customer’s first impression of your business.

These simple phone answering tips will ensure that callers know they’re dealing with a winning business: Answer all calls before the third ring.
When you answer the phone, be warm and enthusiastic. Your voice at the end of the telephone line is sometimes the only impression of your company a caller will get.

When answering the phone, welcome callers courteously and identify yourself and your business. Say, for instance, “Good morning. Chauffeur Magazine. Susan speaking. How may I help you?” No one should ever have to ask if they’ve reached such and such a business.

Take telephone messages completely and accurately. If there’s something you don’t understand or can’t spell, such as a person’s surname, ask the caller to repeat it or spell it for you. Then make sure the message gets to the intended person.

Return all your calls within one business day. I can’t emphasise this one enough! Remember the early bird? The early caller can get the contract and the job is yours for the taking.

Always ask the caller if it’s all right to put her on hold when answering the phone, and don’t leave people on hold. Provide callers on hold with progress reports every 30 to 45 seconds. Offer them choices if possible, such as “That line is still busy. Will you continue to hold or should I have someone call you back?”

Don’t use a speaker phone unless absolutely necessary. Speaker phones give the caller the impression that you’re not fully concentrating on his call, and make them think that his call isn’t private. The only time to use a speaker phone is when you need more than one person to be in on the conversation at your end.

If you use an answering machine to answer calls when you can’t, make sure that you have a professional message recorded and gives callers any other pertinent information before it records their messages. Update your answering machine message as needed. For instance, if your business is going to be closed for a holiday, update your recorded answering machine message to say so and to say when your business will reopen.

Train everyone else who answers the phone to answer the same way, including other family members if you’re running a home-based business. Check on how your business’ phone is being answered by calling in and seeing if the phone is being answered in a professional manner. If they don’t pass the test, go over this telephone answering tips list with them.

If you’re running a home-based business, you need to have a second business-only telephone with its own answering machine. Not only is this more professional, but it will save you the time of wading through messages and determining which ones are business-related.

It’s always best to have a person answer the telephone. Having a machine pick up or worse, an automated ‘choose one of these numbers’ system is a real turn off that will cost you business when people don’t bother to leave messages or call back. If answering incoming calls is taking up too much time during your day, consider hiring a receptionist or a professional answering service to answer the phone for you. The cost of having someone else do it may well be more than offset by the increase in your productivity and better sales.

Remember, the telephone is supposed to be a business tool, not an intrusive tyrant that rules your working day. Handling your incoming calls accompanied by these time management tips it will help you manage your time better, improving your productivity, and put your telephone back in its proper place — helping you run your business rather than it running you.

Limousine Drivers – Bournemouth. We are actively seeking people to drive our cars. We have a fleet of cars which take up to 8 passengers. The work would entail mainly evenings and weekends but may also have some daytime work. It will always be interesting and will definitely be busy. Ideally you will already have or be in the process of getting a Private Hire Licence and be ideally placed in the Bournemouth Area. For more information please call our offices on 0844 357 4267 or 07530 044810 or email on paul.best@ecodriveuk.com.

Chauffeur – Birmingham. Prestige chauffeur company is looking for Executive chauffeurs based in the Birmingham with a minimum of 3 years driving experience with no convictions. If you are interested please contact us on 07538753067 or you can email us on raj2009_81@hotmail.com. This position is open for at least 20 chauffeurs.

Close Protection Chauffeur. Libertine Global Solutions is opening a new arm of their ever growing business in the UK. We will now be offering a Chauffeur Service to include a Close Protection element to all our existing clients and hopefully lots of new ones too. We are therefore are looking for experienced, smart and professional part time drivers who have gained advanced driving training in the Police or Armed forces. Experienced PCO licensed drivers with or without their own car will be considered. All candidates will have to be formally interviewed and will have to have Clean CRB Check and will have to undergo a medical examination. Part of the appointment process will involve a driving test. Apply here.

Proposals to simplify motorway speed limits for buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) have been published today by the Department for Transport.

The changes are needed because of differences that have arisen between new vehicles, which are fitted with speed limiters, and older vehicles which are not. This means that while newer HGVs are limited to 56mph older vehicles are able to drive at up to 70 mph on the motorway. Similarly, new passenger vehicles with over eight seats are limited to 62.5 mph on the motorway but older vehicles are able to drive at 70 mph.

This can cause confusion for other drivers and creates a disincentive for companies to invest in safer and more fuel efficient vehicles. In addition, vehicles with speed limiters are not allowed to use the right hand lane of three lane motorways but those without speed limiters currently are.

The proposals put forward in today’s consultation include:

* Setting a 65 mph limit for all buses, minibuses and coaches with more than eight passenger seats regardless of whether or not they are fitted with a speed limiting device;
* Setting the motorway speed limit at 60 mph for all HGVs over 3.5 tonnes regardless of whether or not they are fitted with a speed limiting device;
* Prohibiting all HGVs between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes and all buses, minibuses and coaches with more than eight passenger seats from using the right hand lane of motorways with three or more lanes.

Road Safety Minister Paul Clark said: “We want to provide clarity for everybody – drivers, operators, other motorists and the police – as well as making sure that there is a level playing field for those operating in the bus, coach and road haulage industry.

“These proposals simplify motorway speed limits for buses, coaches and lorries so that everyone has to abide by the same rules regardless of the age of their vehicle.”

Chauffeur / Minicab / PCO / Taxi driver required for Teddington based company. Drivers must wear a suit, shirt and tie, have good communication skills and have a good knowledge of London and the surrounding areas. Our client base is corporate and we do not do any pub/club work so we are looking for smart well spoken drivers who are punctual, reliable and take pride in the service they provide.

– Drivers will preferably live in and around the Twickenham / Richmond / Kingston / Heathrow/ Surrey area.

– Drivers MUST be PCO registered.

- No disqualifications/major endorsements on driving licence

- Company vehicle provided and fuel paid by company. You will just be paid to drive so do not have to worry about insurance, fuel costs etc.

- Current drivers are earning £450 – £600 per week

Please call Michael on 07702 125222 for further information and also send your CV to: mhunter@overlandcars.co.uk