THREE MORE stretch limousines have been impounded by police in an ongoing row over their legal status, with the cars’ owner saying they will take their case to the European courts if a solution is not found.
At present, the Road Transport Department has not licensed any of the vehicles, as there is no legislation in place governing cars measuring over six metres.
Nevertheless, draft legislation has been prepared, which will soon be submitted to Parliament.
Two limos were impounded last week by the authorities, with the police confiscating another three at the weekend.
Angelos Assiotis is the head of Cyprus VIP Services, which provides clients with limousines, yachts and helicopters for hire.
Along with Cyprus Limousines and Limos Cyprus, a fleet of 11 Chrysler, BMW and Lincoln cars were brought to Cyprus last August.
“We have been in discussions with the Road Transport Department regarding the possibility of being granted a temporary licence until the relevant legislation was passed,” Assiotis told the Cyprus Mail yesterday.
“However, they have been dragging their feet and keep stalling.”
He said his company wanted to operate legally and would do whatever is necessary to secure the relevant documentation.
The companies’ stretch limos had been in circulation, but Assiotis ordered them off the road after the police impounded the first two.
Yesterday, he told us that after careful consideration, it was decided to carry on as normal as they need a case to take to the European courts.
“We need to show documentation over what is happening and we cannot do that if our fleet is sitting in the garage,” he said.
Assiotis also said Cyprus is the only EU country without a legal, regulated limousine service. Stretch-limousines are regulated under EU law but Cyprus law is yet to harmonise with the provision.
He added that limousine services are currently operating in the north.
On Saturday night, police stopped two stretch limos on the capital’s busy Limassol Avenue.
According to officers on the scene at 11pm, the two drivers, aged 26 and 29, were arrested, with the two cars impounded.
A further limo was impounded at 8.15am on Sunday morning, which was being driven by the same 29-year-old.
“This is a ridiculous situation,” said Assiotis. “We have a meeting scheduled with the new Transport Minister next Tuesday, where we hope there will be a solution found.
Our important customers cannot be put in a position, where they are being taken to a police station to give statements, as is happening now.”
??
??
??
??
