THEY are the glitzy vehicles without which no special celebration would be complete.

Stretched limousines are a must-have accessory for people going to prom nights, 21st birthday parties and other important occasions.

The Hollywood-style cars are equipped with a range of luxury items, including their own minibar and entertainment system.

Now New Forest District Council has ruled that, in the interests of public safety, the gleaming eight-seaters must be licensed.

A spokesman said: “The council has agreed that licensing should take place in a bid to regulate the hiring of stretched limos, which are increasingly popular for celebrations such as 21st birthdays, prom nights and weddings.

“A large proportion of these vehicles have been operating unlicensed as a result of their unique design.”

The new regulations have been approved following consultations with the New Forest Taxi Association and stretch limo owners throughout the district.

Better safety The outsized cars will be classed as private hire vehicles and covered by additional regulations following the council’s general purposes and licensing committee decision to adopt guidelines issued by the Department of Transport.

A report to councillors said: “The introduction of such a policy would provide significant controls and better safety conditions for the public.”

The report said the proposals had not resulted in any adverse comments from the taxi association and limousine operators.

Committee chairman, Les Puttock, added: “The new licensing will give reassurance to users that both the vehicle and the driver are safe.”

Southampton-based stretch limos have been covered by similar regulations for several years. Cars owned by operators in other parts of the region, including Eastleigh, Winchester and Portsmouth, also have to be licensed.

However, one in four stretch limos stopped during a one-night police clampdown in Southampton in 2006 were ordered off the road immediately.

Officers put the brakes on four of the luxury vehicles because they were in a dangerous condition.