City crackdown on unlicensed prom cars continues

Wolverhampton is continuing to crack down on unlicensed prom cars after parents were warned to take care when booking vehicles.

Enforcement officers were seen alongside West Midlands Police on Friday, checking vehicles taking students to end-of-year celebrations.

Three luxury vehicles were seized as drivers did not provide insurance details, City of Wolverhampton Council said, with pictures showing them being towed away on the back of lorries.

It comes after the local authority began working with schools to alert families to the safety risks of children travelling inside uninsured or unroadworthy cars.

In April, councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services, criticised unscrupulous companies for taking advantage of young people celebrating their achievements.

Extra vigilance was said to be needed when booking services advertised on social media, where the unlicensed trade primarily operates.

"Hiring a vehicle and driver that hasn't been properly vetted and licensed could put your child and their friends at risk," Gakhal said.

"Please consider making checks on the company you are thinking of hiring from to make sure everyone has fun and stays safe on prom night."

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