The UK Coach Operators Association (UKCOA) has partnered with the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) to promote greater security awareness across the coach sector. The collaboration aims to highlight the critical role coach operators can play in supporting public safety at a time of increased focus on counter-terrorism measures across the UK. In response to the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, the Government recognised the need for a more joined-up approach to security in public spaces and the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as ‘Martyn’s Law,’ became law in April. It requires premises and event organisers to implement clear and proportionate security procedures to help reduce the risk of terrorist attacks, and although coach operators may not fall directly under the scope of this legislation, their involvement in transporting the public to and from such venues places them at the heart of this important national conversation, says the UKCOA.
“Coach operators and their drivers are often the first and last point of contact for event-goers,” said Director of Operations at UKCOA Stephen Spendley. “Whether at stadiums, music festivals, attractions, or rail replacement sites, they are uniquely placed to observe and report suspicious behaviour. We’re proud to support NaCTSO’s work and help ensure that the coach sector remains an active part of the UK’s wider security landscape.”
Central to this effort is the ‘See, Check and Notify’ (SCaN) campaign, developed by NaCTSO, which equips frontline staff with the tools to spot, verify and report unusual or concerning behaviour. The SCaN training materials
are designed to be practical and accessible, focusing not on creating security experts, but on building confidence to speak up when something doesn’t feel right, as recognising and reporting such concerns can play a crucial part in preventing incidents before they happen.
The initiative also encourages operators to adopt small but effective security measures in their day-to-day practices. A range of free tools and resources are available to support this work, including guidance on how to complete a security risk management process, e-learning for staff, and poster campaigns, all of which can be accessed via the protectuk.police.uk website. The tools have been developed by security professionals in collaboration with industry and government, and the UKCOA says they could be invaluable assets to all areas of the transport industry. The Association says it will continue to raise awareness through its own newsletters and member communications, and is encouraging all operators to explore the free tools available and begin incorporating them into their operations.
“We all have a role to play,” said Stephen. “This is about building a culture of awareness, where simple actions and informed decisions can make a real difference.”
