Hire firms need protection
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UNLESS hire operators take steps to protect themselves they could be liable for fixedpenalty fines incurred by their customers under sections of the Road Traffic Act 1974 which will come into force on September 1.
The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, making this claim last week, said that under the new regulations the vehicle owner would pay the penalties rather than the driver. The fixed penalty fines are shortly to be increased from £2 to £6.
BVRLA chairman Mr Michael Bone said: "Contrary to some reports which have already appeared there is no automatic protection for hire firms. To cover itself a vehicle hire company must ensure that its rental agreements incorporate the particulars listed in Schedule 2 of the Act, and must also ensure that customers sign a statement of liability which again conforms to the prescribed details in the Act.
"Furthermore, protection for hire firms is limited to hire agreements which are for a fixed period of less than six months. At present another Government Order restricts the hire of a car to one month (unless the customer is an overseas visitor), but there is no limitation on the hire period for commercial vehicles."
A recommended rental agreement form and statement of liability, complying with all the requirements of the Act, is published this week by the BVRLA 11 North Pallant, Chichester, Sussex, P019 1TQ.