Terms & Conditions

SMART TAXIS & MINIBUSES OF BATH.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF HIRE.

1. APPLICATION - These terms & conditions apply where a contract has been made in writing or verbally. The hirer is responsible for actions of all passengers on board whether present or not. Any additional costs incurred in performing the contract are the responsibility of the hirer whether or not they actually travel with the party.

2. QUOTATIONS - All quotations are given verbally and in writing upon request at the time of initial enquiry. Quotations are valid for 7 days unless otherwise notified. Any quotation made does not include any toll fees or parking charges.
 
3. POLICY - A Strict “NO SMOKING” policy is enforced at all times. Under no circumstances will smoking be allowed at any time internally in side of the vehicle. This came into force by English law on the 1st of July 2007.
  Like wise a no eating of foods/drinks policy is enforced.
  The carriage of any alcoholic beverages opened or resealed is not permitted at any time, and likewise the consumption of. This also is enforced by English law.

4. SAFETY - SEAT BELTS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES. NO STANDING. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
 
5. USE OF VEHICLE - The hirer cannot assume the use of the vehicle between outward and return journeys, nor that will it remain at the destination for the hirer’s use unless this has been agreed with Smart Minibuses. Smart Minibuses reserves the right to levy additional charges for any additional mileage or time over and above that originally agreed. The charges will be pro rata and in accordance with booking confirmation.

6. SEATING CAPACITY - The maximum number of passengers is stated inside of the vehicle. No standing. NOTE - It is a criminal offence for a driver to exceed the maximum passenger capacity, like wise passengers to bribe a driver to do so.

7. PAYMENT - All monies must be made in full prior to commencement of any hire taking place unless a deposit has been made and agreed by Smart Minibuses.
A pre arranged account made be arranged prior to any contract.
  The usual method of payments is either Cash, by Cheque with card, with a minimum of £10.00 + a cheque charge of £1.50 applies.
  Pre-payment by phone using most UK issued cards. Sorry not American express
7. a. Toll charges or Parking fees must be separately.

8. CANCELATIONS BY HIRER - Cancellations must be made in reasonable time prior to any contract, but not less than 24hrs by telephone. In some cases at the sole discretion of Smart Minibuses some or all monies will be forfeited. However a credit may be offered for a later date reschedule.

9. CANCELLATION BY SMART MINIBUSES - In the event of an emergency or request by the hirer to vary the originally agreed conditions, Smart Minibuses may return all monies paid and without further liability cancel the contract. Smart Minibuses may not be able to supply alternative transport upon this cancellation. In this event Smart Minibuses will endeavour to assist the hirer by supplying contact numbers for other minibuses operators who may be able to provide replacement hire.

10. ROUTE - Unless the hirer has advised of a particular route or places to be passed en-route, which will be specified on the confirmation letter, the route taken will be at the discretion of Smart Minibuses and/or the driver. 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. Smart Minibuses will not accept liability for any losses incurred by the passengers who fail to follow instructions given by the hirer or its driver.

11. BREAKDOWN / DELAY -Smart Minibuses may give advice on journey times in good faith, but does not guarantee the completion of a journey at a specific time, and will NOT be liable for inconvenience or loss caused by breakdown or delay which is an unforeseen circumstance. In any event shall the driver be expected to make up any lost time by “pace-making” by speeding. At all times the driver must comply with statuary road traffic regulations.

12. DRIVERS HOURS - The hours of operation of the driver are regulated by the law and the hirer accepts the responsibility of ensuring the hire 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 drivers hours and duty time. If any breach is likely to occur the hirer will be responsible for any additional costs.

13. PROPERTY - All personnel property is carried at entirely their owners risk, and no such claim can be maid to Smart Minibuses, however caused., by accident ,theft, or any other means. The driver shall be the sole judge as to whether property is carried or not.

14. CONDUCT OF PASSENGERS - The driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle. Any passengers whose conduct is in breach of statutory regulations will be removed on the driver’s authority. The hirer will be held fully responsible for all damages caused to the vehicle internally or externally by the hirer in person or passengers during any period of the hire. This includes any fouling of the vehicle by vomiting, urinating, spillage of food or drink of any description, and or any other criminal damage. There is an automatic on the spot fine penalty. (MINIMUM FEE OF £150.00).
Smart minibuses reserves the right to make further charges at a later date of any additional expenses incurred to rectify any situations.
  The hirer will also be held liable for any loss of earnings from any other lost contracts. (3rd parties).
 Verbal or physical abuse aimed at the driver or any other passenger will not be tolerated at any time. These persons will be automatically be removed. This includes foul offensive language.
  Any person or persons removed from being a passenger shall have no claim on Smart Minibuses, or its driver, for their own onward transportation to their destination, however far, time of day or night!

15. CCTV WITH VIDEO AND SOUND RECORDING MAY BE FITTED IN ANY VEHCLE.

16. All these terms and conditions apply in full at all times, if read or understood or not.

17. Amendments - Smart Minibuses reserves the right to amend any published documents including the above without any prior notice.

27th NOVEMBER 2008.