WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood is looking for ways to restrict the use of large, oversized limousines in the city, claiming that the sheer size of the vehicles are a possible threat to emergency vehicles that may be en route to service, and that they also pose issues with parking, traffic and environmental harm.

The City Council moved on December 6, 2010, to approve Agenda Item 2.M, which seeks to have transportation staff work with parking services, the public safety department and the City Attorney to look for formal ways to restrict the usage of “supersize limousines.” The document identifies one type of limousine in particular as the one the council is most concerned about, the Colossus, marketed by Burbank-based company Club Sensation VIP. The diesel-powered, truck-based vehicle, which the company markets as the “world’s biggest and most luxurious limousine” on its website, measures 40 feet long, 8.5 feet wide and can seat up to 30 people. The vehicle is outfitted with a vast assortment of entertainment items, including a disco floor, surround sound system and an external television that can be used for advertising.

West Hollywood city officials have also noted that the city has received complaints from residents about noise and commotion from rowdy passengers in such limousines.

Club Sensation VIP co-owner Karen Petrosyan has stated that he is unsure why his company’s specific vehicle is being targeted. When reached for comment, he pointed out that the limo reduces the chances that partygoers drink and drive due to its seating capacity, and is within the legal size limits along with MTA buses, which he explained are no more maneuverable than the Colossus.

He also disagrees with the Council’s opinion that the Colossus is an environmental concern. “Let’s say I have 30 people on board the Colossus, and they are all going to Hollywood. How many more cars should be on the streets of Hollywood? Yes, [a] minimum [of] 15, if you divide 30 to 2 in each car. Now, calculate how much gas will be spent from those cars separately than the Colossus itself on the small streets of Hollywood. [The] Colossus will spend 10 times less gas than all those cars together,” Petrosyan explained to Canyon News.

Petrosyan has stated that he intends to try to work with the City Council regarding the matter.