Terms & Conditions of Carriage and Coach Hire

• The person making the booking must be aged 18 or over and must provide accurate and complete information.
• The person making a group or private-hire booking is responsible for communicating relevant booking information and these conditions to members of their party.
• A booking is accepted when we issue written or electronic confirmation, subject to payment requirements and vehicle or ticket availability.
• Customers should check their confirmation promptly and tell us as soon as possible if any details are incorrect.

• Day trips and excursions normally require full payment at the time of booking unless we expressly state otherwise.
• Private coach hire is subject to the payment terms shown on the quotation or booking confirmation, including any deposit and balance due dates.
• A booking may be treated as cancelled if a required payment is not received by the stated due date, after reasonable notice has been given where appropriate.
• Any deposit or cancellation charge will be applied only to the extent permitted by law and will reflect reasonable losses or costs arising from cancellation.

• Departure, arrival and return times are planned in good faith but are estimates unless expressly stated otherwise.
• Journeys may be affected by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including severe traffic congestion, road closures, accidents, adverse weather, industrial action, security incidents, border disruption, public events and other unforeseen circumstances.
• Unexpected mechanical failure may also affect a journey despite reasonable inspection, maintenance and preventative measures.
• We will take reasonable steps to minimise disruption and, where practical, provide information about significant delays or changes.
• We are not responsible for losses caused solely by circumstances beyond our reasonable control where we could not reasonably have avoided or overcome their consequences. This does not exclude or restrict any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.
• Passengers should not make onward travel arrangements that depend upon a guaranteed coach arrival time. We recommend allowing suitable contingency time for connections.

• All bookings are accepted subject to suitable vehicle availability.
• We may substitute a vehicle where reasonably necessary because of operational requirements, breakdown, maintenance, accessibility requirements or other circumstances.
• Where necessary, we may arrange for a journey to be operated by another appropriately licensed and insured PSV operator.
• We will make reasonable efforts to provide a vehicle of broadly comparable capacity and standard, but a particular vehicle, layout, seat configuration or onboard facility cannot be guaranteed unless expressly agreed in writing.

• Passengers must behave in a safe, orderly and considerate manner and comply with reasonable instructions from the driver or Company.
• We may refuse carriage or require a passenger to leave the vehicle where we or the driver reasonably believe their behaviour presents a significant safety or security risk, is unlawful, causes serious disruption or distress, interferes with the driver, or risks damage to people, the vehicle or property.
• Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes or vaping devices are prohibited on all vehicles.
• The consumption of alcohol on board is prohibited.
• A passenger who is intoxicated to an extent that may create a safety risk, serious disruption or distress to others may be refused carriage.
• Illegal drugs and unlawful substances are prohibited.
• Mobile phones, music and other electronic devices must be used considerately.
• Where a passenger is reasonably refused carriage or removed because of serious misconduct, a refund will not normally be due for the unused journey, subject always to applicable law.

• Seat belts must be worn whenever required by law. Passengers are responsible for wearing a seat belt where one is fitted, subject to any lawful exemption.
• Only one person may occupy each seat fitted with a seat belt.
• The number of passengers carried must not exceed the authorised capacity of the vehicle.
• Standing passengers will not be carried unless legally permitted and expressly authorised.
• Journeys will be operated in accordance with applicable PSV legislation, drivers’ hours and tachograph rules, road traffic law and health and safety requirements.
• Routes, timings or itineraries cannot be changed where doing so would cause a breach of drivers’ hours, safety requirements or other legal obligations. The driver’s decision on immediate safety and legal compliance is final.

• Where customers are able to select or are allocated a particular seat, we will make every reasonable effort to provide that seat.
• Specific seat numbers cannot be guaranteed. Operational requirements, vehicle substitution, accessibility needs, safety considerations or other circumstances may require seating arrangements to be changed.
• A change of seat alone will not normally give rise to a refund where suitable carriage is still provided, subject to your statutory rights.
• Solo travellers are very welcome. Where a passenger books a single seat, the adjacent seat remains available for sale and may be occupied by another passenger.
• Booking one seat does not provide exclusive use of the neighbouring seat. A customer wishing to guarantee an additional seat must contact us before booking to ask whether a second seat may be purchased, subject to availability and the nature of the trip.

• Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 or over unless we expressly agree otherwise.
• Passengers aged 16 or 17 may travel unaccompanied on suitable trips but may not act as the responsible adult for a child aged 15 or under.
• Individual attractions, events, theatres, ferries or other suppliers may impose their own age restrictions.
• Every passenger for whom a separate seat is required must have a valid booking. A seat fitted with a seat belt must not be shared by two passengers.
• Coach operators are not generally required to provide child car seats. Richard Taylor Travel does not provide infant or child car seats or restraint systems.
• If a parent or guardian wishes to use a child restraint, they must provide a suitable restraint themselves and are responsible for ensuring that it is appropriate for the child, compatible with the coach seat and seat belt, and correctly fitted and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Customers travelling with an infant or young child are strongly encouraged to contact us before booking so that we can advise on the type of vehicle or seat-belt arrangement expected to operate. A particular vehicle cannot always be guaranteed.
• The accompanying parent or guardian remains responsible for the supervision and welfare of children throughout the journey and at the destination.

• We welcome disabled passengers and passengers with reduced mobility and will comply with our legal obligations, including making reasonable adjustments where applicable.
• Passengers who require assistance, wheelchair accommodation or carriage of mobility equipment should contact us before booking, or as early as reasonably possible, so that we can discuss their requirements and the suitability of the intended vehicle and journey.
• Our drivers will provide reasonable assistance where required by law and where it is safe and practicable to do so. Drivers are not required to physically lift passengers or heavy mobility equipment or provide personal care.
• Where a passenger requires personal care or assistance beyond that which our driver can reasonably and safely provide, the passenger should travel with a companion able to provide that assistance.
• Wheelchair spaces and accessible vehicle facilities vary between vehicles and must be confirmed in advance where required.
• Folding wheelchairs, walking frames and other mobility aids may be carried in the luggage hold subject to safe loading, available space, weight and dimensions.
• Mobility scooters are subject to prior approval because safe carriage depends upon the scooter’s size, weight, battery type, ability to be safely stowed and the vehicle being used. We may request relevant specifications before confirming carriage.
• Mobility equipment and other items placed in the luggage hold should be appropriately protected. Our liability for loss or damage is subject to applicable law and these conditions.

• Pets and other animals are not permitted on our vehicles unless expressly agreed by us in advance.
• Assistance dogs accompanying disabled passengers are permitted in accordance with applicable law and proof of suitable registrations.
• Where possible, please tell us before travel if you will be accompanied by an assistance dog so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

• Passengers may bring a reasonable quantity of personal luggage, subject to available storage capacity and safe loading.
• Large, unusual, heavy or specialist items must be notified to us before travel and may be refused where they cannot be carried safely.
• Dangerous, illegal, flammable or otherwise unsuitable items must not be carried.
• Medication, passports, money, jewellery, electronic devices and other valuables should be kept with the passenger where safe and practical and should not be placed in hold luggage.
• Passengers are responsible for ensuring that they collect their belongings when leaving the vehicle.
• We will take reasonable care of luggage entrusted to us, but liability for loss or damage will be determined in accordance with applicable law. Nothing in these conditions excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

• A passenger or hirer may be responsible for reasonable repair, replacement or specialist-cleaning costs where damage or excessive soiling is caused deliberately or negligently by them or a member of their party.
• Any charge will reflect the reasonable cost actually incurred, including reasonable loss of use where directly caused by the damage and legally recoverable.
• The hirer of a private coach is responsible for taking reasonable steps to ensure that members of their party comply with these conditions.

• In the event of a breakdown or other operational failure, we will take reasonable steps to restore the service, provide a suitable replacement vehicle or make alternative transport arrangements where reasonably practical.
• The time taken to provide replacement transport will depend upon location, vehicle availability, traffic and other circumstances.
• Nothing in this clause limits any statutory remedy available where we fail to provide a service with reasonable care and skill.

• Day trips and excursions may be booked through our website, by telephone, in person or by another method accepted by us.
• Unless otherwise stated, full payment is required when booking.
• Your booking confirmation will normally show the trip, date, joining point, departure time, passengers and other relevant details. Please check it carefully.

• If you wish to change a booking, the person who made the booking should contact us as soon as possible. A £5 administration fee will apply per booking to changes made.
• We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate changes but cannot guarantee that they will be possible.
• Where a booking includes admission, theatre, event, cruise, rail, ferry, meal or other third-party arrangements, changes may be restricted by the supplier’s terms or by costs already incurred.
• Any additional cost caused by a requested change will be explained before the change is confirmed where reasonably practicable.

If you need to cancel or amend your booking, please tell us as soon as possible. The amount of notice you give us will determine whether a refund or transfer is available.

• 30 days or more before departure: You may cancel your booking and receive a refund or request a free transfer to another available Richard Taylor Travel day trip, subject to availability.
• Between 14 and 29 days before departure: We are unable to offer a refund; however, you may request a one-time transfer to another available Richard Taylor Travel day trip, subject to availability. A £5 per person administration fee will apply to transfers made during this period.
• Less than 14 days before departure: We are unable to offer a refund or transfer. The amount paid will therefore be non-refundable and non-transferable.

Any transfer permitted under these terms is limited to one transfer per booking. Once a booking has been transferred, it cannot subsequently be transferred again or refunded.

Where the replacement day trip costs more than the original booking, the difference in price must be paid at the time of transfer. Where the replacement trip costs less, no refund or credit will be given for the difference.

Transfers are subject to availability and must be arranged directly with Richard Taylor Travel.

Some day trips include tickets, admission charges, theatre tickets, meals, cruises, rail travel or other services supplied by third parties. These elements may be non-refundable once purchased or once Richard Taylor Travel has committed to them. Where third-party costs have already been incurred and cannot reasonably be recovered, these costs may be deducted from any refund otherwise due.

Where we are able to recover such costs, or otherwise reduce our loss, this will be considered when calculating any refund due.

Nothing in these cancellation terms affects your statutory rights or any rights you may have under applicable consumer law.

• Some excursions require a minimum number of passengers to operate.
• We may cancel a trip where insufficient bookings are received or where operation is prevented or materially affected by circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
• If we cancel an excursion before departure and cannot provide the contracted service, passengers will normally be offered a full refund of monies paid to us for that excursion or the option to transfer the value to another available trip.
• We will give as much notice as reasonably practical.
• We are not responsible for independent arrangements or consequential costs that a passenger chooses to make in connection with an excursion where such liability may lawfully be excluded, but this does not affect any statutory rights.

• We may make reasonable changes to routes, departure times, visiting order, itineraries or other arrangements where necessary for operational, safety or circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
• Where a significant change is known before departure, we will inform affected passengers as soon as reasonably practicable and explain any options available.
• Minor changes that do not materially alter the overall excursion will not normally entitle a passenger to cancel without charge.
• The driver may alter the route on the day where reasonably necessary because of traffic, road closures, weather, safety, legal driving limits or instructions from the police, highways authorities or other competent bodies.

• An excursion may include services provided by third parties, such as attractions, theatres, events, cruises, railways, ferries, restaurants or guides.
• Those elements may also be subject to the supplier’s own terms, including admission, security, age, accessibility, cancellation and tickettransfer rules.
• If a third-party supplier changes or cancels its service for reasons outside our reasonable control, we will make reasonable efforts to communicate the change, seek available refunds or alternatives and assist affected passengers.
• Nothing in these conditions removes any responsibility that Richard Taylor Travel has under applicable law for services that form part of our contract with you.

• Your confirmation will state the joining point and scheduled departure time. It is the passenger’s responsibility to be at the correct location in good time.
• We recommend arriving at least 10 minutes before the stated departure time.
• Where a passenger is missing, the driver may make reasonable efforts to locate or contact them where practicable. The coach cannot be held indefinitely where doing so would unreasonably delay other passengers or affect the itinerary or legal driving limits.
• As a general guide, a coach will not normally wait more than 15 minutes after a scheduled departure time, but this is not a guaranteed waiting period and circumstances may require earlier departure.
• The same principles apply to the return departure from the destination. Passengers must return to the coach at the time and place advised by the driver.
• Where a passenger misses the coach through their own lateness or failure to attend the correct place, they are responsible for making and paying for alternative travel arrangements.
• This clause does not apply where the missed departure results from a breach of contract or failure by us for which we are legally responsible.

• We may use feeder vehicles or transfer arrangements to connect passengers with the main coach.
• A different vehicle may therefore operate part of the outward or return journey.
• Pick-up arrangements may occasionally be changed for operational reasons. Where practicable, affected passengers will be notified in advance.

• For international travel, each passenger is responsible for holding a valid passport and any visa, authorisation, immigration, health or other document required for the journey and destination at the date of travel.
• Requirements can change. Passengers should check current official requirements in good time before departure.
• A passenger who cannot travel, is refused boarding or is refused entry because they do not hold the required documents will normally be treated as having cancelled, subject to applicable law and any recoverable third-party costs.
• Border controls and immigration procedures may cause delays outside our reasonable control.
• Travel insurance appropriate to the journey is strongly recommended.

• If a problem arises during travel, please raise it with the driver or our office as soon as reasonably possible so that we have an opportunity to assist.
• If the matter is not resolved, please submit the complaint in writing with relevant booking details and supporting information.
• We ask that complaints are made as soon as reasonably possible and preferably within 14 days after travel so that we can investigate effectively.
• A delay in making a complaint does not remove any statutory rights you may have.

• A quotation is based on the journey details supplied by the hirer, including dates, times, passenger numbers, pick-up and destination points and any requested stops.
• Unless stated otherwise, a quotation does not create a confirmed booking. A booking is confirmed only when we issue confirmation and any required deposit or payment has been received.
• Quotations are subject to vehicle availability and may have an expiry date.
• The hirer is responsible for ensuring that all journey details provided are accurate and suitable for their group.

• Any deposit, staged payment and final balance requirements will be stated on the quotation or booking confirmation.
• Payments must be received by the stated due dates.
• Where payment is overdue, we may suspend or cancel the booking after giving reasonable notice where appropriate.
• Deposits and advance payments will be dealt with fairly and in accordance with applicable law.

• The hirer must notify us as soon as possible if they wish to cancel.
• Any cancellation charge will reflect the reasonable losses directly caused by the cancellation, taking account of costs saved and any reasonable opportunity we have to rebook the vehicle.
• Where a specific cancellation scale is stated in the quotation or booking confirmation, it will apply only to the extent that the resulting charge is fair, transparent and proportionate to our reasonable loss.
• Non-refundable third-party costs specifically incurred for the hire may also be payable where they cannot reasonably be recovered.
• We will not seek to recover the same loss twice.

• We may cancel a private hire where performance becomes impossible or unsafe, where required payments are not made, where the hirer commits a serious breach, or because of circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
• Where we cancel for reasons for which the hirer is not responsible and cannot provide an agreed alternative service, we will refund monies paid to us for the cancelled service, subject to any rights and remedies required by law.
• We will provide as much notice as reasonably practicable.

• Changes requested before travel must be agreed with us and may result in a revised price.
• Requests made on the day are subject to driver availability, vehicle suitability, legal drivers’ hours, road restrictions, safety and operational feasibility.
• The driver cannot agree to a change that would breach the law, drivers’ hours, safety requirements or the confirmed operational plan.
• Where a material change is requested on the day, we may require written confirmation from the hirer before proceeding.
• Reasonable additional charges may apply for extra mileage, additional time, waiting, parking, tolls, congestion or clean-air charges, ferries, accommodation or other costs caused by the requested change. Where practicable, these will be explained before the change is accepted.

• The hirer must plan the itinerary so that passengers are ready at agreed departure times.
• Where the vehicle is kept waiting materially beyond the agreed itinerary for reasons attributable to the hirer or passengers, reasonable additional charges may apply.
• The driver may be required to depart or alter the itinerary where further waiting would breach legal drivers’ hours, parking restrictions, safety requirements or other legal obligations.
• Any additional charge will be reasonable and based on the additional time, mileage or direct costs incurred.

• The hirer is responsible for providing accurate passenger numbers and for taking reasonable steps to ensure that members of their party comply with these conditions.
• The hirer should appoint a responsible group contact who can communicate with the driver where appropriate.
• The hirer must not instruct the driver to exceed passenger capacity, breach road traffic law, drivers’ hours, parking restrictions or any other legal or safety requirement.
• Where children or vulnerable passengers form part of a private group, responsibility for appropriate supervision remains with the hirer, organiser, parent, guardian or responsible adults in the group, as applicable.

• The quotation or confirmation will state, where appropriate, which known parking, toll, ferry, congestion, clean-air or similar charges are included.
• Additional charges resulting from changes requested by the hirer or circumstances not reasonably foreseeable at the time of quotation may be passed on where permitted by law and where the cost is reasonably incurred.
• We will not impose arbitrary or disproportionate additional charges.

• Private hire itineraries are accepted on the basis that they can be operated lawfully within applicable drivers’ hours, working-time, rest and safety requirements.
• The driver has authority to refuse or discontinue an instruction where proceeding would be unlawful or unsafe.
• If an itinerary changes substantially, additional drivers, overnight accommodation or revised timings may be required and may result in additional charges where agreed or legally recoverable.

• We will provide our services with reasonable care and skill and in accordance with the rights and remedies provided by applicable consumer law.
• Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited.
• We are not responsible for loss that was not reasonably foreseeable when the contract was made, or for losses caused solely by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, except where the law provides otherwise.
• Where a customer is acting wholly or mainly for business purposes, different legal rules may apply; any limitation of liability will remain subject to applicable law.
• Nothing in these conditions affects statutory rights.

• Passengers and hirers are strongly advised to arrange appropriate travel insurance for the nature of their journey, particularly for international travel, valuable belongings, medical needs or non-refundable third-party arrangements.

• We process personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation, the Data Protection Act 2018 and our Privacy Policy.
• Personal data may be used to process bookings and payments, provide transport and travel services, communicate essential journey information, manage customer service and comply with legal or regulatory obligations.
• Where necessary to provide the contracted service, relevant information may be shared with service providers such as subcontracted PSV operators, attractions, ticket providers or other suppliers.
• We do not sell personal data.
• Further information about how personal data is used, retained and protected, and about individual data rights, is set out in our Privacy Policy available on our website.

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions affects your statutory rights as a consumer. Where any provision conflicts with a right or remedy that cannot legally be excluded or restricted, that statutory right or remedy will take precedence.

If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found by a court or other competent authority to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply so far as legally possible.

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the law of England and Wales. Consumers resident elsewhere in the United Kingdom may also benefit from any mandatory protections and rights available to them under applicable law. Nothing in this clause prevents a consumer from exercising any right to bring proceedings in a court available to them under applicable law.

We may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time to reflect changes in law, regulation, our services or operational requirements. The terms applying to a booking will normally be those made available to the customer when the booking was entered into, unless a change is required by law or is expressly agreed with the customer.