Private Hire Terms & Conditions

These are the conditions of hire of Sanders Coaches Limited, (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”).

Applications - These conditions apply whether a contract has been made verbally or in writing between the hirer and the company. The hirer acts on behalf of all the passengers travelling. If the hirer is a company, group or organisation, then an individual must be named as the responsible person. The hirer is responsible for all actions and decisions of passengers on board including any additional costs incurred, whether or not they travel with the party. The company can only accept instructions from the hirer. If the hirer is not travelling a representative must be chosen and the company informed prior to hire.

Quotations - Quotations are given on the basis of information provided by the hirer. The route used is at the discretion of the company, unless particularly specified by the hirer, in which case it will be clearly shown on the confirmation.

Use Of Vehicle - The hirer cannot assume use of the vehicle between outward and return journey, nor to remain at the destination for the hirer’s use unless previously agreed with the company.

Time and Variation - The company reserves the right to levy additional charges for additional mileage or time other than agreed. The vehicle will depart at times agreed between the hirer and Sanders Coaches Limited, it is the responsibility of the hirer to account for all passengers at those times. The company will not accept liability for losses incurred by passengers who fail to follow the hirer’s instructions.

Drivers Hours - The hours of operations for the driver are regulated by law. Neither the hirer nor passengers shall delay or interrupt the journey in such a way that the driver is breaching regulations. If a breach occurs as a result of actions of the hirer then the hirer is responsible for additional costs incurred.

Seating Capacity - At the time of booking the legal seating capacity will be specified. The hirer must not load the vehicle beyond capacity. The company reserves the right to provide a larger vehicle than that specified unless specifically instructed not to do so. In such circumstances no additional charges will be levied. The company reserves the right to substitute another vehicle (Including the provision of a vehicle from another operator) subject to such substitutes being of at least equivalent quality to the company’s own vehicles.

Conveyance of Animals - No animals (other than guide dogs notified to the company in advance) may be carried on any vehicle.

Confirmation - Written confirmation by the company is the only basis of acceptance of a hiring or subsequent alterations.

Payment - Unless a credit facility is agreed with the company the following terms apply. A £100 deposit is to be paid within 48 hours of confirmation of hire with the balance due a maximum of 14 days prior to the date of travel unless otherwise agreed. The company reserves the right to cancel any booking where payment has not been made.

Cancellation by the Hirer - If the hirer cancels, the following charges will be applied:

· Cancellation more than 7 days before the hire date - £50

· Cancellation within 7 days of the hire date – 50% of the total booking fee

Cancellation by the company - In the event of circumstances beyond the company’s control e.g civil unrest, strikes, police road closures, terrorist attacks etc (including adverse weather and road conditions) or in the event of the hirer taking any action varying agreed conditions unilaterally the company may, by returning all the money paid and without further liability, cancel the contract.

Breakdowns & delays - The company gives its advice on journey times in good faith. However, as a result of breakdown, traffic congestion or other events beyond the reasonable control of the company, journeys may take longer than expected and in those circumstances the company will not be liable for loss or inconvenience caused to the hirer.

Passengers Property - Vehicles are subject to restrictions on carrying luggage for safety reasons. The hirer accepts that the driver shall be the sole judge as to whether or to what extent passengers’ property is carried. Large items may not be able to be carried and the hirer should notify the company in advance of any requirements. The company accepts personal property of the hirer and their passengers on the understanding it will take all responsible steps to avoid loss or damage. The hirer should notify the company or the driver if items of exceptional values are to be carried. It is the hirers responsibility to minimise risk of loss when property is left unattended.

Conduct of Passengers - The driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle at all times and as such may remove any passenger from the vehicle whose behaviour threatens safety. The hirer is responsible for any damage caused to the vehicle by any passenger for the duration of the hire. Where the hire is to a sporting event, the hirer should be aware of legal requirements relating to alcohol and conditions of entry to the venue. In the event the vehicle is left in an unsatisfactory condition, the hirer will be liable for any additional cleaning or maintenance costs incurred by the company.

Complaints - In the event of a complaint the hirer should seek a solution at the time from the driver or company. If a remedy has not been provided, complaints should be submitted via email to [email protected] within 14 days of the date of hire.

Surcharges - Once a confirmation has been issued to the hirer, the company reserves the right to pass on any increases in the cost of fuel, taxes and any ancillary costs such as road tolls etc. On notification of such surcharges the hirer may cancel the booking subject to the cancellation charges set out in this document.