These are the conditions of hire of Pullman Direct (Trading as UGO Coach & Minibus Hire), (hereinafter called “the company”). These conditions form the basis of the contract under which the company agrees to hire its vehicles to the customer (hereinafter called “the hirer”). These conditions apply whether a contract has been made verbally or in writing

1. Breakdown and Delay.

The company will use its best endeavours to provide advice on journey time in good faith. However, breakdowns or traffic congestion, or other events outside our control of the company, may find journeys take longer than predicted. In those circumstances the company will not be liable for any loss or inconvenience suffered by the hirer as a result.

2.  Passenger Injury.

The Company will not accept liability for any damage, injury or loss for any passenger not wearing a seat belt, or standing up, or walking around the vehicle whilst in motion.

3.  Other Operators Vehicles.

The Company reserves the right to substitute other operators’ vehicles in place of its own for any journey or part thereof.

4.  Payment.

A deposit is required at the time of booking. The balance of payment is payable fourteen days prior to the date of hire, unless other payment terms are agreed. The company reserves the right to decline a booking when the foregoing condition has not been met, in which case the deposit becomes forfeited.

5.  Vehicle Capacity and safety.

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.

6. Drivers hour’s regulations.

All driver hours are regulated by law. 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. 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.

7.  Conduct of Passengers.

The driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle at all times. At the drivers discretion he may remove any passenger whose behaviour affects the safety or the vehicle, or is in breach of the Public Service Vehicle (Conduct of Drivers, Inspectors, Conductors and Passengers) Regulations 1990. These 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.

8. Cancellation by The Hirer.

Should the contract be cancelled by the hirer in advance of the due date of hire, any deposit paid will not be refunded. Where the full payment has been made, UGO coach and minibus hire will be entitled to withhold 50% of the payment due to any cancellation by the hirer. However should the cancellation occur within 14 days prior to the intended hire date, no refund will be made. The hirer will also 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.  Every effort will be made by the company to reduce this liability, however all non-retrievable charges will be the responsibility of the hirer.

9.  Consumption of Alcohol.

No alcohol is permitted to be carried or consumed on the vehicle without the prior written consent of the operator. Where the hire is to a sporting event, no alcohol consumption will be permitted on the vehicle in any event and the hirer should be aware of the legal requirements relating to alcohol contained in the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1995. The hirer will indemnify the operator for any fines and any related costs, expenses or other losses incurred as a result of any breach of this Act by the passengers

10. 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 passenger’s actions.

11.   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 an unreasonably untidy condition or having required additional time or mileage which was not included for in the original booking.

12.   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?

13.  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.

14.   Passengers’ Property and Lost Property.

For safety reasons the driver is the sole arbiter as to the carriage of a passengers luggage and its storage. Luggage may only be carried in the seating area if it will fit safely in the overhead lockers. Large, bulky items may not be able to be carried, and the hirer should take all steps to notify the Company in advance of such requirements. It is the hirer’s responsibility to minimise risk of damage to or loss of property howsoever caused when property is on the vehicle or left unattended on the vehicle and it is the responsibility of the hirer to ensure that items are insured for loss and damage. The Company will not accept liability for any damage to or loss of any property whilst on the vehicle or left on a vehicle (including property stored in the hold) howsoever caused.

15.   Lost property.

All articles of lost property recovered from the vehicle will be held at the Company’s premises, and will be subject to the current Public Service Vehicle (Lost Property) Regulations. The Company will provide details of this legislation on request.

16.   Acceptance of Our Quotation -Implies acceptance of the above conditions.
17. Complaints.

In the event of 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 0845 8333 456. 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 same.