Prom pupils delayed by police limo blitz

Dozens of Black Country pupils were more than an hour late for their school prom after licensing authorities launched a clampdown on illegal limousines.

Students from Dormston School, in Sedgley, were caught up in delays last night as officers from West Midlands Police, Wolverhampton City Council and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency stopped chauffeurs on the way into the Park Hall Hotel, in Goldthorn Park, Wolverhampton.

Spot checks on about 15 limousines caused long tailbacks.

It affected streets surrounding the hotel, including Goldthorn Hill, and forced some pupils to make their way to their big night on foot.

As well as checking the maintenance of the long wheelbase cars, the drivers' tachographs and vehicle licences were also reviewed.

A number of warning notices were handed to drivers for offences such as worn rear axles.

Stretch Hummer driver Jeff Tranter, aged 50, said it was "total chaos" as the limos were checked.

He said: "There were massive queues.

"Some of my kids had to get out and walk because I couldn't get near. It took 20 minutes to get through the car park."

The chauffeur of 17 years, who works for Smethwick-based Mann's Limousines, added: "The checks are a great thing because the last thing anybody wants is for one of the prom kids to get injured in an unsafe car.

"It's a few unreputable people who can give the industry a bad name. The rest of us are happy to be checked and are proud of our vehicles."

Prom organiser Rebecca Hines said the delayed start and wet weather hadn't dampened the occasion.

"It was a bit hectic when everybody was arriving but we all had a brilliant night," she said.

The 170 Year 11 pupils from the Mill Bank school enjoyed a three-course meal and then a disco.