The organisation wants the government to help coaches continue to deliver a range of vital services and play their part in and fighting the climate emergency
The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), which represents hundreds of coach operators across the UK, has launched a new document which sets out the policies the next government needs to deliver for coach passengers.
Coaches are a vital part of the public transport sector, the CPT points out, contributing billions of pounds each year to the economy, carrying people to tourist hotspots, cultural and sporting events, school and getting commuters or holidaymakers to their destination with a flexibility no other form of public transport can match.
CPT is calling for the next government to:
-
-
- Introduce a national fund to support coach operators to invest in new vehicles or retrofit to meet Clean Air Zone (CAZ) requirements
- Incentives for manufacturers to bring forward retrofit and low emission vehicle solutions
- Ensuring proposals for CAZ are fair and reasonable for coach operators
- Supporting the development of infrastructure associated with ultra-low and zero-emission coach fleets
- Strengthen national planning regulations in relation to coach parking for places likely to receive large numbers of visitors
- The inclusion of bus and coach drivers on any shortage occupation list
- No salary threshold in any future immigration scheme
CPT Chief Executive Graham Vidler said: “Coaches play a vital role in moving people to and from a range of events and attractions. Many events would not be able to take place without coach travel, and by providing an alternative to cars, coaches reduce congestion and help improve air quality in towns and cities.
“The next government has an opportunity to maximise the environmental, economic and social benefits of coach travel. Investment in a national clean air fund to help coaches meet Clean Air Zone requirements, a flexible immigration policy so the industry has the workers it needs and sufficient parking at tourism hotspots will help the industry go from strength to strength.”
-
