24 spaces created and a CPTbrokered deal also offers a 20% refreshment discount to drivers
Westminster City Council has unveiled an innovative way to create a new coach park right in the centre of London.
By remodeling existing kerb and road space at the base of Kingsway, the council’s transport team has created 24 coach bays at the gateway to the West End – within metres of muscials on Drury Lane and the Strand.
The effort, backed by theatres and the coach trade, was seen as a way to also help tackle the amount of coaches which park up on narrow streets in the city, a problem highlighted by residents. As many as 40% of theatre goers arrive in the West End by coach.
Redwing has also backed the project and is encouraging drivers to make the most of the new facility to rest and relax. In partnership with the council, Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and Redwing, the CPT has brokered a deal with the Café Amici on Kingsway for a 20% discount in food and drink for drivers.
Karen Tiley, Regional Manager for the CPT London and South East, said the new bays on Kingsway are a welcome relief for the coach industry. “We are delighted that Westminster City Council have listened and understood the needs of our industry to continue delivering tourism to London, its theatres and its vast array of attractions.”
John Wales, Chief Executive of Encore Tickets and a Coach Tourism Council Board member, added: “The positioning of the new bays will further encourage coach operators to feature London theatre trips with so many theatres conveniently positioned around the corner.
“Having spoken recently with operators they can now plan with confidence, issuing firm parking instructions for drivers, knowing the numbers of bays available. This means they can pick up from theatres in a timely manner preventing congestion and wasted waiting time.”
Cllr Daniel Astaire said: “This is an innovative project which will encourage yet more visitors and tour operators to London’s West End and also provide welcome relief for residents and motorists who often express concerns about coaches parking up on narrow roads.”
Mark Rubinstein, President of SOLT, said: “We want to ensure that the joy and magic of London theatre is accessible to audiences across the country and this is a great example of a scheme which will open up the West End for thousands of theatregoers every year.”
