Article: When is a limousine not a limousine? When it's a bus Darren Cartwright

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When is a limousine not a limousine? When it's a bus

When is a limousine not a limousine? When it's a bus
Darren Cartwright
January 10, 2012 - 5:23PM

A limo driver is locked in battle with the Gold Coast City Council over the classification of his vehicle after he was fined for being in a bus zone.

All Limousines Transport owner-driver David Flodine said he was booked in November for parking his 10-seater limo in a kerb-side zone in Surfers Paradise reserved for tourist coaches.

Mr Flodine is objecting to the $150 fine because his limo is registered as a bus under Queensland Transport rules due to the fact that it carries 10 people, including the driver.
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The limo is also insured as a bus and carries safety equipment similar to a commercial coach.

"I'm registered as a bus, I have to carry the same heavy fire extinguisher as a bus and I am insured as a bus," Mr Flodine said.

"I think I am classified as a bus. I could have doubled parked and that's only a $25 fine."

However, the Gold Coast City Council has a different interpretation of a bus, according to a local MP.

Liberal National Party member for Gaven Dr Alex Douglas said the council classified any car with fewer than 11 seats as a standard vehicle.

"This local businessperson is trying to make a decent living, so he ensures he abides by registration requirements but is fined for abiding by what has been legislated," Mr Douglas said.

"I call on the state government to correct this loophole across all local councils and indemnify this honest businessperson for this outrageous fine."

A Gold Coast City council spokesman said even though vehicles licensed to carry 10 occupants (including the driver) had to be registered as a bus, the same interpretation did not apply for parking regulations.

''Council applies the state government's Transport Operations Road Use Management Act in the regulation of bus zones,'' the spokesman said.

''Under the act, vehicles must have the capacity to seat more than 12 adults, including (the) driver, to park in a bus zone.''

AAP

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/when-is-a-limousine-not-a-limousine-when-its-a-bus-20120110-1pt7v.html