Conditions of Hire
These conditions apply to the private hire of transport, not operating as a package, as defined by the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tour Regulations 1992.
Quotations
Quotations are given on the basis of the most direct route and on information provided by you. The route used will be at our discretion unless you have requested a particular route which will be specified in our quotation. All quotations are given subject to us having a suitable vehicle at the time you accept the quotation. Quotations are valid for 28 days unless otherwise notified.
Once you have received our official quotation, an agreed deposit is required to secure the booking. This deposit should be paid by BACS along with an email laying out the details of your full requirements for the hire. On receiving your deposit, we will send you confirmation of your hire. You should check the details of the hire carefully and notify us immediately of any errors or changes. Normally, written confirmation by us is the only basis for the acceptance of the hire or for subsequent alterations to its terms.
Unless otherwise stated, quotations are given for coach and driver only. Other charges such as admission and parking charges are not included.
Conditions of Hire
These are the conditions of hire of Amble Coaches Ltd, (hereinafter called “the company”). They form the basis of the contract under which the company agrees to hire its vehicles to the customer (hereinafter called “the hirer”). These terms and conditions apply whether a contract has been made verbally or in writing.
- Breakdown and Delays
The company gives its advice on journey time in good faith. However, as a result of breakdown or traffic congestion, or other events beyond the reasonable control of the company, journeys may take longer than predicted and in those circumstances, the company will not be liable for any loss or inconvenience suffered by the hirer as a result.
- Liability for Injury
The company will not accept any liability for damage, injury or loss for any passenger standing up or walking around the vehicle whilst in motion.
- Supplying Coaches with Additional Seating Capacity
The company reserves the right to supply a larger coach than that ordered for any journey and in this event, no additional charge shall be made to the hirer unless the additional seating capacity is utilised. If you must have the size of vehicle you requested, please let us know at the time of booking as this may affect your quote.
- Use of the Vehicle
The hirer cannot assume the use of the vehicle between outward and return journeys, nor that will it remain at the destination of the hirer’s use unless this has been agreed with the company in advance.
- The Use of Other Operators Vehicles
The company reserves the right to substitute other operators’ vehicles in place of its own for any journey or part thereof.
- Payment Terms
A deposit is payable at the time of booking . The balance of the hire charge is payable by fourteen days prior to the date of hire, unless other payment terms are agreed. (The company reserves the right to decline to execute any work when the foregoing condition has not been adhered to, in which case the deposit becomes forfeitable by the hirer to the company).
- Passenger Capacity and Seat Belts
No passenger may be carried in excess of the seating capacity of the vehicle and passengers must wear the seat belts provided at all times.
- Driver’s hours regulations
The hours of operation for the driver are regulated by law and the hirer accepts the responsibility of ensuring the hire keeps to the hours and times agreed by the Company. Neither the hirer nor any passenger shall delay or otherwise interrupt the journey in such a way that the driver is at risk of breaching regulations relating to driving hours and duty time. If any breach is likely to occur, the hirer will be responsible for any additional costs incurred unless it is outside the control of the hirer.
- Conduct of Passengers
In the interest of other passengers, no musical instruments, radios and/or other audio devices shall be played without the company’s permission. Such permission shall be shown on the confirmation, where agreed.
It is strictly forbidden for any person to carry or consume drugs of any description except where such drugs are legally available over the counter without prescription or are prescribed by a doctor. You may be required to produce medical evidence, especially when leaving or entering countries.
The driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle. Any passenger whose conduct is in breach of statutory regulations or is abusive to any person may be removed on the driver’s authority. You will be held responsible for the conduct of passengers and for any damage caused to the vehicle by passengers during the hire. We will not accept liability for damage or loss to any passenger entering or leaving the coach whilst in motion.
Under no circumstances may alcoholic drinks be carried or consumed on a vehicle without our permission. It is also illegal to carry or consume alcoholic drinks on a coach proceeding to or from designated sporting events and permission cannot be given in this case. Other than on a vehicle fitted expressly for that purpose, food and drink, except for small items of confectionery (such as sweets and chocolate), may not be consumed on the vehicle without our prior agreement or without the permission of the driver.
- Cancellations
Upon cancellation the hirer will be liable to pay for any additional items or services that have been bought and paid for on behalf of the hirer in advance of the hire. For example, ferry services, theatre tickets, meals, parking permits, accommodation and guide services etc. Every effort will be made by the company to reduce this liability however all non-retrievable charges will be the responsibility of the hirer.
Cancellation by the Operator
Once a booking is confirmed by the hirer, the Operator will never cancel a hire (as long as payment terms have been adhered to), unless in extreme circumstances. In cases of extreme weather conditions or exceptional circumstances out of the Operators control, the Company will liaise with the hirer and make every reasonable effort to make sure the hire is completed.
If cancellation is forced due to COVID-19 lock-downs, the booking can be postponed to another date, or cancelled if not yet paid for.
In the event of any emergency, riot, civil commotion, strike, lock out, stoppage or restraint of labour or on the happening of any event over which the Company has no control (including adverse weather and road conditions) or in the event of the Hirer taking any action to vary agreed conditions unilaterally, the Company may, by returning all money paid and without further or other liability, cancel the Contract.
- Returnable Additional Deposits
The company reserves the right to insist upon a returnable additional deposit being provided by the hirer in addition to the hire charge. This deposit will be returned to the hirer following completion of the hire provided that non-additional expenses were incurred by the company which were a direct result of the hirers, or his passengers’ actions.
- Additional Charges
The company reserve the right to impose additional charges on the hirer following completion of the hire if the passengers have left the vehicle in
- a) an unreasonably untidy condition
- b) caused any damage to the vehicle and its fittings or
- c) having required additional time or mileage which was not included for in the original booking.
- No smoking policy
Hirers should note that this company operates a policy of no smoking on all company vehicles. This policy will be strictly enforced. Would hirers please bring this condition to the attention of all passengers intending to travel on the coach.
- Airport or Ferry Transfers
On collecting passengers from airports, ferry ports, etc., the coach will wait for one hour after the prearranged collection time free of charge. After that additional waiting time will be charged at the discretion of the company.
- Passengers’ Property and Lost Property
Luggage and personal effects are carried on or in our vehicles at the owner’s risk. Gangways, doorways and emergency exits must not be obstructed. All vehicles hired are subject to restrictions on carrying luggage for statutory safety reasons and the driver shall be the sole judge as to whether and to what extent passengers’ property is carried. We will not accept liability for any damage or loss of any property, which belongs to any passengers and is left on a vehicle. Any articles of found property recovered from a vehicle will be held at the depot from where the vehicle is based and may be collected from there.
- Acceptance of Our Quotation
Implies acceptance of the above conditions.
- Complaints
In the event of a complaint about the company’s services, the hirer should endeavour to seek a solution at the time by seeking assistance from the driver, or from the company by calling our support staff on 07904412378. If this has not provided a remedy, complaints should be submitted in writing and within 14 days of the termination of the hire. The company shall reply to any complaints within 48 hours of receipt of the same. Please email info@amblecoaches.com