(Applicable to Minibus Hire and Taxi/Private Hire Bookings)
By placing a booking with Jim’s Travel (a member of the Dunmow Minicab Company), you agree that you have read, understood, and accept these Terms & Conditions. These terms are in addition to your statutory consumer rights and apply whether the agreement is made verbally, electronically, or in writing. Acceptance of a booking constitutes a contract between the Hirer (the person making the booking) and Jim’s Travel.
1. Use of Vehicle / Purpose of the Journey
The Hirer is responsible for checking the accuracy of the booking confirmation and notifying Jim’s Travel immediately of any errors or changes. You must inform us at the time of booking if the journey involves travel to football matches, music festivals, public events, political demonstrations, or similar gatherings, as these may have specific requirements and restrictions.
Failure to notify us correctly of the nature of the journey may result in cancellation without refund. During busy periods, we may subcontract journeys to trusted, fully licensed and insured operators. All subcontractors will hold valid Private Hire Operator/Vehicle/Driver licences and Hire & Reward insurance.
2. Private Hire / Taxi Compliance
- Bookings are accepted only via our Operator under applicable Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) licensing rules.
- Street hails are not accepted; all journeys must be pre-booked unless a licensed Hackney Carriage is supplied under local regulation.
- Drivers will carry their PHV/HC badges and operate licensed, insured vehicles appropriate for the booking (saloon, MPV, minibus up to 16 seats).
- Assistance dogs are carried free of charge in accordance with UK law.
3. Payment
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- Unless otherwise agreed in writing, bookings are confirmed only upon receipt of deposit or full payment.
- If payment is not received within the agreed timescale, we may revise the quotation or cancel the booking.
- All fares must be paid in full prior to travel unless a credit account or written arrangement is in place.
4. Booking Confirmations & Amendments
It is the Customer’s responsibility to review their Booking Confirmation for accuracy. Discrepancies must be reported within 24 hours. Amendments requested by the Hirer are only valid once confirmed in writing and reflected in a revised Booking Confirmation.- Changes such as additional stops, waiting time, out-of-area diversions, or late-night pickups may incur supplementary charges.
- If a revised confirmation is not issued, the original booking details will apply.
5. Route, Time Variation & Waiting Time
Unless otherwise agreed, the route and timing are at the driver’s discretion considering road, traffic, and weather conditions. Drivers must observe legal driving hours and rest periods.-
- We do not guarantee completion within a specific time and accept no liability for delays due to traffic, accidents, weather, roadworks, or enforcement by authorities.
- For taxi/private hire bookings, waiting charges may apply if passengers are not ready beyond the agreed collection time.
- Airport pickups may include a reasonable free waiting period; additional parking/waiting will be charged at the prevailing rate.
6. Delays, Breakdowns or Service Interruptions
We will make reasonable efforts to ensure punctual service but accept no liability for unavoidable delays or service interruptions. In the event of breakdown or vehicle unavailability, a replacement vehicle will be provided where possible. If a replacement cannot be arranged, a full or partial refund will be issued at our discretion. No compensation is payable for consequential losses (e.g., missed flights or trains).7. Additional Charges
- Cleaning charges may apply for spillages, sickness, or soiling beyond normal use.
- Charges may also apply for route changes, extra stops, out-of-area drop-offs, tolls, congestion charges, admission fees, or parking.
- Where we purchase third‑party items on your behalf, we act solely as your agent and their terms will apply.
8. Vehicle Capacity, Luggage & Passenger Property
Vehicles range from standard saloon taxis to minibuses (up to 16 passengers). The allocated vehicle depends on the details provided at booking. Please accurately declare luggage quantity/size; excess luggage may result in additional charges or refusal of carriage. We will take reasonable care of passenger property but cannot accept liability for loss or damage to items carried or left in vehicles. Lost property will be held for up to 3 months for collection by arrangement (collection costs borne by the passenger).9. Animals
Animals are carried only by prior agreement. Assistance dogs are carried free of charge in accordance with UK law.10. Conduct of Passengers
- Passengers must follow the driver’s safety instructions and wear seatbelts where fitted.
- Smoking, alcohol consumption, and illegal substances are strictly prohibited in all vehicles.
- The driver may refuse travel or remove passengers who are intoxicated, abusive, or pose a safety risk.
- Damage to vehicles caused by passengers will be charged to the Hirer, including reasonable downtime costs.
11. Fares & Metered/Quoted Journeys (Taxi/PHV)
- Fares may be calculated by taximeter, fixed quote, or via our online/app platform.
- Quoted fares are based on the information provided; changes to pickup time/location, route, waiting, or destination may alter the final fare.
- Airport fares may include a free waiting allowance; additional parking/waiting is chargeable.
12. Tickets & Third‑Party Bookings
We may arrange attraction/event tickets on your behalf. All tickets are subject to the venue’s terms. Refunds are only issued if the venue cancels the event, less an administration fee.13. Insurance
- Public Liability: £5,000,000.
- Vehicles are insured for Hire & Reward under applicable taxi/private hire regulations.