Report commissioned by CPT argues that the ULEZ could reduce tourism economy by £115m over 15 years and cost the coach industry £1.6bn over the same period
The early introduction of the London Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) could reduce London’s tourism economy by up to £115m over the next 15 years, the CPT has claimed, following its commissioning of a report entitled the Benefits of Coach Tourism to the London Economy, produced by transport consultants Steer Davies Gleave.
The report suggests that the introduction of ULEZ could have major implications for tourist and scheduled coach trips to the capital; with London’s tourism economy and coach operators’ vehicle and operating costs both affected by the proposed change.
According to the publication, in 2015, over 13 million tourists arrived in London by coach, of which one million were overseas visitors. Over the next 15 years, a ULEZ introduction could see 8.5 million fewer tourists visiting London by coach. Of these, up to seven million would transfer to other modes of transport (such as rail and car) and up to 1.5 million tourists would no longer travel to London.
This could represent a £115m potential reduction in spend from visitors arriving by coach over the next 15 years, of which £70m is a direct loss as a result of those staying away and £45m is a decrease in spend from those transferring to other modes of transport.
The cost to the industry was estimated at £1.6bn, representing an increase to operators in fleet replacement costs, reduced second hand market vehicle values and additional ULEZ costs (daily charges) over the next 15 years.
Speaking about the report, CPT Chief Executive Simon Posner said: “The proposals outlined in the Mayor of London’s recent ULEZ consultation have far reaching effects on the coaching industry, and the detailed findings within this independently verified report will form a key part of our formal response whilst further supporting our ongoing campaigning in this area.
“In addition to CPT’s response [on behalf of the industry], I urge all members to take the opportunity to complete the online consultation and clearly state the potential implications of ULEZ on their own businesses and operations.
“In addition to completing the Mayor’s consultation, members may also wish to raise their thoughts and concerns on the introduction of ULEZ with local MPs and industry stakeholders at the earliest opportunity.
“The report demonstrates a significant investment by CPT and its members, and is certainly money which has been well spent.”
The consultation is available from https://www.tfl.gov.uk/airquality-consultation and closes on December 18 2016.
