The RHA launched its new Coach Manifesto at the start of this year’s National Coach Week. In its ’Coaching Ahead – a manifesto for the coach industry,’ the Association sets out its key asks of government and other decisionmakers to support the sector. Key recommendations for a future government are:
- International coach travel: Introduce pre-registration and online documentation to speed up border crossings, and reform visa rules for drivers.
- Infrastructure for coaches: Work with industry and local authorities to improve port and border facilities, roadside facilities and parking. Motorway service areas should place greater priority on coaches, giving priority service to drivers to allow them to meet schedules and having parking areas more conveniently located for coach passengers to access services. Local authorities should work with major tourist attractions, hotels and leisure facilities to ensure they provide sufficient coach parking and rest stops – and avoid traffic bans. Government should issue clear guidance to local authorities on traffic management affecting coaches.
- Zero-emission transition: Work with industry and the market to develop a zero-emission coach travel roadmap up to 2050 and invest in zero-emission refuelling and recharging infrastructure suitable for coaches. Coaches should feature in the Government’s Zero Emission and Hydrogen Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) trials to develop vehicles with longer ranges to fulfil the functions needed. An interim fuel duty incentive for low-carbon fuels so that coach operators can run the cleanest fleet possible while waiting for zero-emission operation to become viable, and the Government to publish its delayed Low Carbon Fuels Strategy as soon as possible to give industry the confidence it needs to invest in alternative fuels. Updated guidance on implementation of clean air schemes to ensure coaches aren’t unfairly targeted.
- Addressing the skills shortage: Extend the Skills Bootcamp course to include Category D licence acquisition along with technical courses such as tyre fitting. Remove restrictions on 18-year-old drivers to allow them to undertake non-scheduled or occasional journeys, making coach driving a career choice for school and college leavers. Review the driver apprenticeship scheme.
- A simpler regulatory environment: Reform PSVAR regulations to focus on journeys being accessible rather than the coach. Government should look at potential review and reform of PSV drivers’ hours. RHA Managing Director Richard Smith said: “Coaches are a great economic enabler and an affordable and green mode of transport. Operators deserve more support which is why we’re urging the next Government to help our sector fulfil its full potential and connect more people to more destinations, boosting economies and minimising the environmental impact of travel.”
National Coach Week took place between 8-12 April; look out for more in CBW next week.
