Terms & Conditions
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF HIRE of Express Travel (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)
- 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. The hirer is responsible for setting times and should ensure they allow sufficient time for the journey.
- Liability for Injury -The company will not be liable for damage, in jury or loss as a result of a passenger standing or walking around the vehicle whilst in motion.
- Supplying Coaches with Additional Seating Capacity - The company reserves the right to supply a coach larger than that ordered for any journey and in this event no additional charge will be made to the hirer unless the additional seating capacity is utilised.
- Use of the Vehicle -The hirer cannot assume use of the vehicle between outward and return journeys, nor that it will remain at the destination unless this has been agreed with the company in advance.
- Use of Other Operators Vehicles -The company reserves this right to substitute a vehicle from another operator in place of its own for any journey or part thereof.
- Payment Terms -A deposit of £50 per mini bus and £100 per coach is payable at the time of booking. The balance of the hire charge is payable 14 days prior to the date of hire unless other payment terms are agreed. The company reserves the right to cancel any booking where the payment of the balance has not been made, in which case the deposit becomes forfeitable to the company.
- Passenger Capacity and Seat Belts -No passengers may be carried in excess of the seating capacity of the vehicle and passengers must wear seatbelts at all times.
- Drivers’ House Regulations -The hours of operation for the driver are regulated by law and the hirer accepts 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.
- Waiting Times -The coach will only wait 30 minutes after the agreed departure times unless the hirer makes contact with the driver. Any variation is subject to driver’s hours as above.
- Conduct of Passengers -The driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle at all times and as such may remove any passenger whose behaviour prejudices safety or is in breach of the Public Service Vehicle (Conduct of Drivers, Inspectors, Conductors and Passengers) Regulations 1990. These regulations set out certain rights and responsibilities on all parties and full details of these can be obtained from the company on request. 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 the legal requirements relating to alcohol contained in the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985 (as amended) and the conditions of entry to race courses as laid down by the Race Course Association Ltd. The company will provide details of these restrictions on request.
- Consumption of Refreshments and Alcohol -Refreshments may be consumed on the coach provided no damage is caused and that adequate provision is made to remove any ensuing rubbish. Alcohol is not permitted by law to be carried or drunk whilst travelling. Glass utensils must not be used. A company manager or driver may refuse, without prior notice to accept alcohol for carriage within the luggage hold of the vehicle. All persons wishing to bring alcohol on one of the company’s vehicles are required to obtain permission no later than 7 days before the journey.
- Returnable Deposits -The company reserves the right to insist upon a returnable deposit in addition to the hire charge. This deposit will be returned to the hirer following completion of the hire provided that no additional expenses were incurred by the company which were the direct result of the hirer or passengers’ actions.
- Additional Charges -The company reserves the right to impose additional charges on the hirer following completion of the hire if the vehicle is damaged by passengers or left in an unreasonably untidy condition or having incurred additional time or mileage which was not included in the original booking.
- No Smoking- Hirers should note that smoking is not permitted on company vehicles. This policy will be strictly enforced and hirers should ensure all passengers are aware.
- Airport or Ferry Transfers- On collection of 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 -Personal effects and luggage are carried at owners’ risk. The gangway and emergency exits must remain unobstructed at all times. The person appointed by the hirer to be in charge of the party shall ensure the correct number of cases are taken onto the coach and taken off at the destination. The company does not guarantee to accommodate items other than one regular size suitcase for each passenger and small hand baggage. However, every effort will be made to accommodate additional items where possible. The company will not accept responsibility for any loss or damage to property whilst on the coach. Lost property ma be claimed from the company subject to an administration charge. The company cannot be held responsible for the safe keeping of items left on the company’s vehicles or premises.
- Animals -Only working assistance dogs may be carried on the company’s vehicles with prior notification to the company.
- Cancellation of Hire - If the hirer wishes to cancel the agreement, the following charges will apply:
Notice Given Charge 10 days or more None 6-9 days 10% of hire 3-5 days 25% of hire 1-2 days 50% of hire Day of hire before arrival of coach at departure point 100% of hire At or after arrival of coach at departure point 100% of hire - Acceptance of 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 speaking to the driver or calling the company office on 01296 399915. If a remedy is not found then complaints should be submitted in writing to the company office within 14 days of the date of hire.