LUXURY stretch limos are set to become a more common sight on the streets of Pendle under a planned change to licensing regulations.

Previously limousines, popular with celebrating GCSE students and stag and hen parties, could not legally be hired on the roads of Nelson, Colne and West Craven.

Licensing chiefs decided in November 2005 that because the vehicles - which are mostly imported from America - are left-hand drive they were not suitable to be licensed as private hire cars.

Other quirks usually found on limos, such as sideways facing bench seats and tinted glass for extra privacy, were also matters of concern.

But now new road safety legislation, being brought in at the end of this month, has prompted a rethink among Pendle Council licensing officials.

Before the new Road Safety Act, operators working on contracts of less than seven days could claim exemption from being licensed.

Some limo firms nationally have been relying on this so they can opt out of the system - but from February any vehicles which carries eight passengers of less will have to be checked out and authorised for use.

Pendle council has decided to opt for a set of provisions currently operated by Greater Manchester authorities, and nearby Blackburn with Darwen council.

Under the rules, left-hand drive vehicles are permissible, as are sideways seating and tinted glass, though not in the driver's position.

Because limos are ordinarily pre-booked, for an agreed fare, meters and fare tables are not necessary, and no signage is needed to denote the car from other road users as a private hire vehicle.

If alcohol is served as part of a limo package, or music or videos are played, then the appropriate licences must be applied for.

The moves, which will be debated by Pendle licensing committee next Monday, could open the floodgates for more limos to be operated legally on local roads.

Jackie Allen, from the council's engineering department, says in a report to councillors: "An enquiry has been made about licensing a stretch limousine but the conditions imposed in November 2005 virtually rules out licensing any of these vehicles."

However the Department of Transport has advised that councils cannot decline limo licensing applications without good reason.