Stretched limousines were previously barred from being used as taxis because of safety concerns. The only exception was for weddings, funerals and contracts for no less than seven days duration.

But last year the council decided to change its policy and allow them to operate for private hire.

Lee Tutton, from Diss, who runs L&S Limousines, had been trying for more than three years to get his vehicle licensed for private hire and applied for a licence as soon as the council changed its policy.

He said he was delighted his Millennium white stretched limo was approved by the council following stringent checks and tests.

Mr Tutton, who together with his wife Sue has fostered 65 children, said the rigorous checks would help uphold public safety. “This was not about the extra work,” he said. “I was the only limo operator in south Norfolk to have the full CRB checks because of our role as foster carers. I am really pleased the council has decided to start licensing limos in this way as it will help to make the industry safer.”

Sue Thomson, chair of the council’s licensing and appeals committee, said: “We have had applications in the past but have had to turn them down because of concerns about safety. Safety is our first priority. At a meeting last September we agreed that the licences should be approved subject to stringent tests and checks to make sure the public are protected.”