Limo owner furious over seized hummer

The owner of a limousine hire company is furious following the seizure of his £100,000 stretch Hummer as part of a crackdown on rogue drivers.

Police took the specially-adapted 18-seat Hummer while it was parked outside Belle Vue stadium after a dispute over the driver’s license.

Owner of the car Jason Earl, had to organise another limo from a competing company to pick up his customers after their night at the dogs.

He is adamant that police were in the wrong for impounding his car and now is seeking £1,500 in compensation.

His car was off the road for two days and was forced to pay a £190 fee to secure the release of his car.

The car has now returned to service with the same driver at the wheel.

Mr Earl, who owns the Wigan-based Earl’s Limousines, insisted that his driver had a license enabling him to drive large busses, which his Hummer requires by law as it has over 16 seats.

He said officials were presented with a license which showed the driver was licensed for large commercial busses.

However, the Hummer was seized anyway after officials checked the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency database, which suggested that the driver could not work for hire or reward.

Mr Earl claims that the police got it completely wrong, and wonders how many other drivers have been pulled over in the same position.

Greater Manchester Police are now looking into the incident.