COUNCIL officials have stalled the debate into operation of luxury American-style limousines in Blackpool until the New Year.

The decision came during a meeting of the council's public protection committee with a handful of limousine operators on December 12.

Both sides will now prepare their suggestions for the future of limousines in the resort and discuss them at a council meeting in January.

Proposals are expected to be put forward to introduce a new left-hand drive licence for limo operators in a bid to boost safety.

But Bispham councillor Henry Mitchell -- who serves as one of the seven public protection committee members -- said the council were in favour of keeping limousines on the streets of Blackpool.

"With the Blackpool casino plans going full-steam ahead, the limousines are promoting the right image for the town. And we'd like to encourage this as much as we can," he said.

"But the fact is that Blackpool is a Victorian town and the council work flat out maintaining the upkeep of roads and tramways with the present demands from traffic.

"Some of the stretch limousines driving around the resort are 10-seater vehicles and our streets can simply not cope with the burden.

"Public safety is at risk because operators are unable to obtain sufficient insurance cover under present guidelines.

"Ideally the committee would like to see all limousines converted from the American-style left-hand drive to British standard right-hand drive.

"But we will also consider the introduction of a left-hand licence scheme which will classify the cars as bus-type vehicles and set rigorous guidelines for their safe operation.

"We have arranged to have the meeting adjourned until January in order for the council and the operators to prepare their proposals for the future of Blackpool limousines."