Terms and conditions of hire
- Although Harlequin Travel (UK) Ltd will endeavour to complete journeys in the times required, and will offer advice on journey times at the time of quoting or booking if we are asked to do so, we cannot accept responsibility for the consequences of delays caused by circumstances or events which we could not foresee or which are beyond our control. We will not accept liability for any loss or inconvenience which may arise from the delay or detention of any vehicle arising from any such cause.
- Our written confirmation of hire states the journey and times contracted for and upon which the agreed charge is quoted. Unless any particular route or arrangements have been agreed, the journey will be by the most direct route, with stops made at suitable points where necessary to satisfy legal requirements regarding breaks and rest for drivers.
- The Hirer undertakes to abide by all statutory requirements and regulations which may in any way affect the journey in question, particularly those relating to the conduct of passengers in Public Service Vehicles and drivers’ hours and, where appropriate, the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985. Drivers will depart from the destination or from intermediate stopping places at the time agreed beforehand (or specified by the driver) and, to ensure compliance with the Regulations on drivers’ hours, may not wait for members of the party who have failed to join the vehicle at the time specified. The Company will not be responsible for any loss, inconvenience, damage or injury arising from failure to convey any such member or members of the party.
- The vehicle or vehicles are supplied for the purpose of the carriage of private parties. The hire must comply with the requirements of the Road Traffic Act relating to Contract Carriage.
- No passengers in excess of the seating capacity of the vehicle may be carried. Seat belts should be used, and child seats for children under 1.35 metres in height.
- The hirer will be held responsible for any damage to the vehicle or vehicles as a result of negligence or any wilful act by any member of the party.
- Cleaning of the vehicle as a result of excess mess or excess consumption (vomit or other bodily fluids) may incur a cleaning fee, up to a limit of £250.
- Whilst we take all reasonable care with passengers’ luggage and other items (including clothing worn by passengers) which they may bring on our coach, we do not accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused to these items whilst on the vehicle. Personal insurance of luggage and valuables is recommended.
- Arrangements for hotel accommodation, meals and refreshments, and for the use of shuttles, vehicles, trains, ferries, aircraft, hovercraft or other means of conveyance operated by persons or bodies other than the Company, are made by the Company as agents of the hirer and are made on the express condition that the Company shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience caused to passengers as a result of any such arrangements.
- The Company reserves the right to substitute other operators’ vehicles in lieu of its own on any journey or part thereof. The Company reserves the right to substitute a larger vehicle than that required for the journey. Additional payment will be required only if the extra seating capacity of the larger coach is used.
- CONFIRMATION / PAYMENT: The confirmation details our understanding of your requirements, and summarises the service which we will supply. Please check the details to ensure they are correct, and notify us at once of any errors or omissions. Likewise, if you wish to change any details on a booking, please let us know straight away. Any alterations to a booking are not guaranteed unless agreed and re-confirmed by us. Payment is required no later than 7 days prior to the date of the hire, unless stated otherwise. Where other services are to be provided by, or arranged through, Harlequin Travel (UK) Ltd. the cost of these services is to be paid upon demand or in accordance with the specific requirements of the third-party supplier. Theatre tickets, once ordered, cannot normally be returned or refunded. Cancellation of other services will incur charges in accordance with the terms of the supplier of those services.
- CANCELLATION: If you should need to cancel your coach hire, please contact our offices, quoting the booking ID or the date and details of your hire. You will be given a Cancellation Reference which you should note and retain in the event of any query or dispute regarding the cancellation. You may cancel a coach at any time, and for any reason but, should you do so, the following scale of charges will apply:
DAY HIRE period of notice Charge TOUR HIRE period of notice Charge More than 7 days prior to hire None More than 28 days prior to hire None 3 to 7 days prior to hire 25% charge 14 to 28 days prior to hire 45% charge 1 or 2 days prior to hire 50% charge 7 to 13 days prior to hire 60% charge On the day of hire 75% charge Less than 7 days prior to hire 90% charge On arrival at departure point 90% charge These scales of charges do not apply, for example, where a hotel or sea crossing is included in the hire and where their cancellation terms differ from our own standard terms.
In the event of a national emergency, force majeure, or any unforeseen or unavoidable shortage of coaches or drivers, we reserve the right, exceptionally, to cancel any coach hire. We will give as much notice as the circumstances allow and return all monies paid by the hirer, without deduction. In such circumstances we will not be liable for any loss or consequential loss such action may cause. - Prices shown on the confirmation are based on costs at the time of quotation or confirmation and, whilst every reasonable effort will be made to adhere to these prices, the Company reserves the right of revision in the event of significant and unforeseen increases in fuel prices, Government action (for example changes in taxation rates), or other factors beyond the Company’s control. The Company reserves the right to render additional charges in the event that the hirer requires any journey to be lengthened or extended. The Company is not obliged to undertake any request to lengthen or extend any journey.
- All Harlequin Travel (UK) Ltd vehicles are designated ‘Non-Smoking’.
