Conditions of Coach Hire
1. APPLICATION
These conditions apply whether a contract has been made verbally or in writing.
2. QUOTATIONS
Quotations are made subject to vehicle suiting the Hirer’s requirements being available at the time of acceptance. Quotations are based on costs prevailing at the time and in accordance with details provided by the Hirer. Quotations are valid for 28 days from issue or for any period specified. Unless otherwise stated, admission charges and parking charges at special events are not included.
3. USE OF VEHICLE
Unless previously agreed by the company, the vehicle is not available for the use of the Hirer other than for the journeys and times stated. There are restrictions on advertising of local private hire; the Company can advise on the matter if so required.
4. DRIVER’S HOURS AND REST PERIODS
The hours agreed with the Company for the operation of any hire(s) must be observed (other than in the case of serious emergency or division) so that current regulations governing drivers’ hours and rest periods may be complied with. The Company reserves the right to curtail or otherwise alter any hire which does not comply with the relevant regulations.
5. SEATING CAPACITY
Not more than the maximum number of passengers indicated may be carried on each vehicle. For some hiring it may be possible to carry an additional number of children aged 14 years or less but only with the prior written agreement of the company.
6. CONVEYANCE OF ANIMALS
No animal may be carried on any vehicle without the prior agreement of the Company.
7. CONFIRMATION
Normally, written confirmation by the Company is the only basis for the acceptance of a hiring or for a subsequent alteration in its terms.
8. PAYMENT
Any requested deposit must be paid by the time stated, and payment in full must be made 7days before the start of the hire unless the Company has agreed in writing to a variation in this condition. The Company reserves the right to add interest at the rate of 2% compound interest per calendar month, after date by which payment should have been made.
9. CANCELLATION BY HIRER
In the event of cancellation by the hirer,
Cancellation Charges
Over 7 days loss of deposit
7 days – 48 hours 50 % loss
Less then 48 hours before departure 100% loss
The Hirer shall be liable to the Company for any losses incurred by the Company as a result of the cancellation i.e Ferry/Eurotunnel, admission tickets etc.
10. CANCELLATION BY COMPANY
In the event of any emergency of force majeure or of any action by the Hirer to vary the agreed conditions unilaterally, the company may, by returning all monies paid and without further or other liability, cancel the contract.
11. ROUTE AND TIME VARIATION
Should a vehicle be detained by the Hirer, or taken on a longer journey than that contracted for, the Company reserves the right to make an additional charge commensurate with the costs incurred. During the hiring, the driver must be the judge of the reasonableness of any request for a change or route or time. In any event, the vehicle(s) will depart at the agreed time and the Company will not be liable for any loss or injury sustained by a passenger failing to join the vehicle at the vehicle at the appointed time.
12. CHANGE OF VEHICLE
The Company reserves the right to provide a larger vehicle than that specified but at no additional charge unless extra seats are used. The Company reserves the right to substitute other vehicles of similar quality, including those of other operators, for all or part of the hiring.
13. BREAKDOWNS AND DELAYS
The Company gives it advice on journey times in good faith but does not guarantee the completion of any journey at a specific time and will NOT be liable for loss or inconvenience caused by breakdown or other delay.
14. AGENCY ARRANGEMENTS
Where the Company hires in vehicles from other operators at the request of the Hirer and where the Company arranges ancillary facilities, such as meals, accommodation, ferries, admission tickets or any other services provided by another contractor, it does so as Agent for and on behalf of the Hirer. Any terms and conditions imposed by such other contractors through the Company shall be binding on the hirer as if he had directly contracted such services.
15. PASSENGERS PROPERTY
Unless previously agreed with the Company, the driver has discretion as to carriage of passenger’ luggage and its storage. The Company will not accept liability for any damage to or loss of any property which belongs to any passengers and is left in a vehicle. All articles of lost property recovered from a vehicle will be held at the depot for one month only at which the vehicle is based.
16. CONDUCT OF PASSENGERS
The driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle. Any passengers whose conduct is in breach of statutory regulations may be removed on the driver’s authority. The Hirer will be held responsible for any damage caused to the vehicle by passenger during the hiring. No alcohol is to be taken or consumed on the vehicles unless you have prior agreement from the company.
17. COMPLAINTS
Any complaints in respect of the Company’s services should be made in writing to the Company’s head office as soon as possible but within 28 days.
18. NOTICES
No bill, poster, sign or notice is to be displayed on any vehicle without the written consent of the Company.
19. REFRESHMENTS
Other than on a vehicle fitted expressly for that purpose, food and drink except for small items of confectioner (such as sweets and chocolate) may not be consumed on the vehicle with the prior agreement of the Company or of the driver.
20. SURCHARGES
Where more than 28 days elapse between acceptance of the quotation and the performance of the contract, the Company reserves the right to pass on any increase in its costs as a surcharge. However, it guarantees to limit to any price increase to a maximum 5% of the quoted price.
21. ENGLISH LAW
Orders are only accepted in that the law of England shall apply to the contract arising from such an order and to the determination of the rights and liabilities of the respective parties and in that no action or other proceedings hall be brought by either party in relation to such contract except in a Court of competent jurisdiction in England.
22. INSURANCE
All Hirer’s and individual passengers are recommended to obtain insurance for those items where, save for negligence, the Company’s liability is limited (such as delay or luggage).
23. SEAT BELTS
All passengers must wear seatbelts.