Marcus Lewis Coach & Minibus Hire

Terms & Conditions

 

Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before making a booking. By confirming your hire, you agree to the terms set out below.

 

Breakdown and Delays

The company gives its advice on journey times in good faith. However, as a result of breakdowns, traffic congestion, or other events beyond the company’s reasonable control, journeys may take longer than predicted. In such circumstances, the company will not be liable for any loss or inconvenience suffered by the hirer as a result.

 

Loss or Damage to Personal Property

The company will not be responsible for any damage to, or loss of, personal property left in vehicles, however caused.

 

Liability for Injury

The company will not accept any liability for damage, injury, or loss suffered by any passenger standing up or walking around the vehicle while it is in motion.

 

Supplying Coaches with Additional Seating Capacity

The company reserves the right to supply a larger coach than that ordered for any journey. In this event, no additional charge shall be made to the hirer unless the extra seating capacity is utilised.

 

Use of Other Operators’ Vehicles

The company reserves the right to substitute other operators' vehicles in place of its own for any journey or part thereof.

 

Deposits and Payment

A non-refundable deposit is required to secure all bookings:

£50 for bookings up to £500

£100 for bookings over £500

The deposit secures the vehicle, driver, and agreed travel date(s).

The remaining balance must be paid on or no later than 14 days prior of travel, unless agreed otherwise in writing.

We reserve the right to request full payment in advance for short-notice bookings.

Failure to meet payment terms may result in the booking being cancelled and the deposit forfeited.

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Cancellations by the Hirer and Exceptional Circumstances

(Includes school transport)

All cancellations must be made in writing.

Cancellation charges apply as follows:

More than 7 days before travel – deposit retained only.

3–7 days before travel – 50% of the total booking cost.

Less than 72 hours before travel or non-attendance – 100% of the total booking cost.

Where payments exceed the applicable charge, any balance will be refunded.

 

Cancellation charges may be reduced or waived at our discretion where exceptional circumstances apply (e.g. severe weather or venue cancellation), in line with UK consumer law. Evidence may be requested.

 

The following are not usually considered exceptional:

- Using another operator

- Not enough numbers (depending on time of cancellation)

- Change of mind

Each case is considered individually.

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Additional & Returnable Deposits

We reserve the right to request a returnable additional deposit where appropriate.

This will be refunded after the hire, provided no additional costs are incurred due to damage, excessive cleaning, delays, or passenger behaviour.

 

Additional Charges

Additional charges may apply if:

The vehicle is left in an unreasonably untidy or damaged condition.

Extra time or mileage is required beyond the agreed booking.

 

Operator Cancellation

If we cancel your booking, all monies paid will be fully refunded or an alternative date offered.

This does not affect your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

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Passenger Capacity and Seat Belts

No passengers may be carried in excess of the seating capacity of the vehicle. All passengers must wear seat belts provided at all times.

 

Drivers’ Hours Regulations

The hirer undertakes to abide by all statutory requirements and regulations which may affect the journey or itinerary. Drivers are familiar with these regulations and will comply with them, while also accommodating any reasonable requests from passengers where possible.

 

Damage to Company Vehicles

The company’s vehicles are designed to transport seated passengers only. Standing on seats or using the roofs for viewing purposes is strictly prohibited.

The hirer is responsible for, and shall indemnify the company against, any damage to the vehicle(s) resulting from negligence, wilful misconduct, or malice by any member of the party.

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Consumption of Alcohol

The consumption or carrying of alcohol in the passenger compartment of company vehicles is strictly forbidden.

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No Smoking Policy

This company operates a strict no smoking policy on all coaches. Hirers must ensure all passengers are made aware of this condition before travel.

 

Airport or Ferry Transfers

For collections from airports, ferry ports, etc., the coach will wait for up to one hour after the pre-arranged collection time free of charge. After that, additional waiting time will be charged at the company’s discretion.

 

Complaints

In the event of a complaint, the hirer should attempt to resolve the matter at the time by speaking with the driver or a member of Marcus Lewis staff.

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If the issue is not resolved, complaints should be made in writing within 14 days of the hire’s completion.

We will acknowledge receipt within 14 days and issue a full reply within 21 days.

 

Complaints should be addressed to: Marcus Lewis Coaches, 6 Kingsbury Rd, Coventry, CV6 1PU

 

 

 

School and College Transfer Terms & Conditions

 

Duty of Care to Passengers

 

Home-to-School Transport

All drivers operating school transport services are required to hold a valid and current DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check prior to commencing any school-related driving duties.

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1. Pre-Service Responsibilities

• Drivers must complete daily vehicle safety checks to ensure that the vehicle is fit and safe for service.

• Drivers must be fully familiar with their allocated route and timetable. Any discrepancies or issues must be reported immediately to the operator or relevant authority.

• The service name or number must be clearly displayed on the vehicle at all times.

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2. Service Operation

• If a service is running late, the driver must contact the relevant school so that pupils and parents can be informed.

• Bus passes must be checked as pupils board the vehicle.

• In cases where a pupil claims to have lost their bus pass, the driver should exercise discretion and allow travel. Such instances must be reported to the school transport office.

• Under no circumstances should a pupil be refused travel.

• Drivers must approach bus stops carefully and ensure all doors are securely closed before setting off.

• The vehicle must never be loaded beyond its legal capacity.

• Pupils should be seated before departure, and where seat belts are fitted, pupils should be encouraged to use them.

• Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited on all vehicles, both for drivers and passengers.

• Drivers must maintain a professional, courteous, and appropriate relationship with all passengers. Physical contact or engagement in inappropriate topics of conversation is strictly prohibited.

• Drivers must observe the Highway Code, drive responsibly, and adhere to all speed limits.

• Drivers must not react to poor behaviour. Any incidents or behavioural concerns should be reported to the school or operator for follow-up.

 

3. Passenger Behaviour

• Minor behaviour issues may be addressed by the driver directly in a calm and appropriate manner.

• If misbehaviour persists, the incident should be reported to the operator’s office, who will inform the school.

• Continued misconduct may result in the removal of the pupil from the transport service, as agreed by the school and the transport operator.

 

4. Damage or Vandalism

• Any damage or vandalism to the vehicle caused by a pupil will be the financial responsibility of the parent or guardian. The bus company reserves the right to recover costs associated with such damage.

 

5. Emergencies and Breakdowns

• In the event of a breakdown, drivers must activate hazard warning lights to alert other road users.

• The driver must immediately contact the depot or operator to arrange an alternative vehicle.

• Pupils should remain safely on the vehicle while waiting for a replacement, unless instructed otherwise for safety reasons.

• If uncertain, drivers must seek guidance from the operator.

• Drivers must remain with the vehicle and passengers until assistance arrives.

• All breakdowns, accidents, or incidents must be reported to both the school and the operator’s office as soon as possible. Drivers must have access to the necessary contact numbers at all times.

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