TERMS & CONDITIONS OF HIRE

Application
These conditions apply whether a contract has been made verbally or in writing.

1. Quotations
Quotations are given based on the direct route and on the information provided by the hirer. The route used will be at the discretion of the company unless it has been particularly specified by the hirer in which case it will be clearly shown on the confirmation.

All quotations are given subject to the company having available a suitable vehicle at the time the hirer accepts the quotation. Quotations are given for coaches and drivers only. Any additional charges (parking, toll, etc.) will be separately identified and will be the hirer’s responsibility unless otherwise specified.

2. Use of the Vehicle
The hirer cannot assume the use of the vehicle between outward and return journey, nor that it will remain at the destination for the hirer’s use unless this has been agreed with the company in advance.

3. Route and Time Variations
The company reserves the right to levy additional charges for additional mileage or time to that agreed. The charges will be pro rata and in accordance with the formula used for the original booking confirmation.

The vehicle will depart at the times agreed by the hirer, and it is the responsibility of the hirer to account for all passengers at those times. The company will not accept liability for any losses incurred by passengers who fail to follow instructions given by the hirer.

4. Drivers’ Hours
The hours of operation for the driver are regulated by law, and the hirer accepts the responsibility of ensuring the driver keeps to the hours and times agreed by the company. Neither the hirer nor any passengers 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.

5. Cancellation of Hire
In the event of cancellation by the hirer the operator reserves the right to retain any deposit. The hirer shall be liable to the operator for any losses incurred by the operator as a result of the cancellation but not exceeding the full cost of the hiring. If the hirer wishes to cancel any agreement, the following scale of charges will apply in relation to the total hire charge.

Cancellations due to inclement weather will be charged as above.
The cost of accommodation, meals and tickets which have been purchased by the company at the request of the hirer, will be charged to the hirer plus any administration charges incurred.

Cancellation by the Company
In the event of any emergency or any action by the hirer to vary agreed conditions unilaterally, the company may, by returning all money paid and without further or any other liability, cancel the contract.

6. Confirmation
Normally, written confirmation by the company is the only basis for the acceptance of a hiring or for a subsequent alteration to its terms.

7. Payment
Any deposit requested must be paid by the date stated in full. Full payment must be made on or before the start of the hire unless otherwise stated by the company.

8. Driver’s Accommodation
Unless agreed otherwise the driver’s accommodation must be provided (where applicable) and paid for by the hirer. This should be a single en-suite room including bed, breakfast and an evening meal.

9. Parking and Tolls
All parking and toll charges are the responsibility of the hirer unless otherwise stated by prior arrangement.

10. Seating
The company will, at the time of booking, agree and specify the legal seating capacity of the vehicle to be supplied. The hirer must not load the vehicle beyond this capacity. Where seatbelts are fitted, passengers are now required by law to always wear these whilst travelling in the vehicle except for emergencies. Visiting the W.C. is recognized as an emergency. It is the responsibility of each individual passenger (or the responsible accompanying adult in the case of children under the age of 14) to ensure they comply with this law and not that of the driver. Any passenger moving around the coach whilst it is in motion does so at their own risk.

11. Vehicle to be provided.
The company reserves the right to provide a larger vehicle than that specified at no additional charge. The company reserves the right to substitute another vehicle for all or part of the hiring being at least of equivalent quality. At times of high demand and in the event of an emergency we reserve the right to subcontract vehicle of a similar quality from any UK operator.

12. Breakdowns and Delays
The company gives its advice on journey times 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 that predicted and, in those circumstances, the company will not be liable for any loss or inconvenience suffered by the hirer as a result.

13. Package Travel Regulations
All vehicles hired are subject to restrictions on carrying luggage for statutory safety reasons. The hirer accepts that the driver shall be the sole judge as to whether and to what extent passengers’ property is carried. 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. The passenger may be refused travel if carrying goods are potentially dangerous to other passengers.

14. Passengers’ Property
All luggage and other personal belongings are carried at the owner’s risk and whilst Atlantic Travel accepts responsibility for the unloading of luggage from the luggage holds (not accessible from the interior of the coach), hand baggage and other personal possessions left inside the coach will be the passengers own responsibility. Any loss of or damage to luggage should be reported at the time of such loss or damage to the driver. Atlantic Travel cannot accept responsibility for any such loss or damage unless it is caused by the proven negligence of the company representative involved.

Certain items are not permitted to be carried inside the coach. These are child car seats (see above), walking frames or wheelchairs (except in coaches adapted for this purpose), electric scooters and oxygen cylinders. These items may be carried at the discretion of the company in the luggage hold of the coach provided the company is notified of this requirement at the time of booking. Child car seats for infants are not suitable to be used on or fastened to a coach seat and therefore will not be carried inside the coach. Booster seats are acceptable but must be provided by the responsible adult supervising the infant/child.

15. Conduct of Passengers
The driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle at all times and as such may remove any passenger whose behavior prejudices safety or is in breach of the Public Service Vehicle (conduct of Drivers, Inspectors, Conductors and Passengers) Regulations 1990. The hirer is responsible for any damage caused to the vehicle by any passenger for the duration of the hire. Cleaning charges will apply if passengers make unnecessary mess or are sick on the vehicle.

It is the hirer’s responsibility to ensure that passengers do not distract the driver at any time while the vehicle is in motion unless the driver has otherwise stated that it is acceptable.

16. Conveyance of Animals
On a private hire, no animals (other than guide dogs and hearing dogs) may be carried on any vehicle without prior written agreement from the company.

17. Alcohol and Smoking
No alcohol is permitted to be carried or consumed on the vehicle without prior written consent of the operator. Where the hire is a sporting event no alcohol is permitted on the vehicle. Any fines incurred as a result will be passed on to the hirer. Smoking and the use of illegal substances is not permitted on any Atlantic Travel vehicle at any time. Atlantic Travel are not licensed to provide any alcoholic beverages.

18. Notices
No bill, poster or notice is to be displayed on any vehicle without the consent of the company.

19. Complaints
In the event of a complaint about the company’s services, the hirer should endeavor to seek a solution at the time by seeking assistance from the driver or from the company. If this has not been provided complaints should be submitted in writing.