Few things are wont to gain almost unanimous support from within the industry, but strong government hints toward full removal of the 50km, regular service restriction that is placed upon the youngest PCV drivers is one of them.
Such an outcome has long been sought. The overarching reason holds that people of those ages cannot be recruited and utilised fully as coach drivers, and by when they turn 20, most will have found careers elsewhere and be lost to the sector for good.
The previous government put forward a compromise that would have dropped the 50km restriction, but only for regular services. A modest benefit to bus operators with interurban routes, but not something that floated many coaching boats. In any case, the 2024 general election intervened and such proposals died on the vine.
Wording around the potential more effective course of action is cautious, and there is no guarantee of it coming good. But those familiar with the recent approach suggest that the Department for Transport (DfT) is listening to industry calls and that there appears to be a decent chance of it happening.
As part of that, DfT is currently seeking evidence from operators on staff shortages, with a particular focus on 18- and 19-year-old drivers. It is the clearest opportunity yet to put across views on the matter. That age group can already drive HGVs with no restriction, and there is no evidence of difficulties having come as a result.
Almost unanimous support for removal of the restriction comes via the medium of the routeone Facebook page. A need for clarity over insurance is highlighted by one party, but otherwise the position is largely welcoming.
Elsewhere, an individual close to the coalface points out that younger drivers often prove to be highly diligent employees, with their age and lack of experience a positive in that the operator can teach good habits from the start. Also not to be forgotten is that the industry provides career progression opportunities, if that is desired.
Confederation of Passenger Transport President Kathryn Pulham used her inauguration address to urge the sector to contribute to evidence gathering exercises regardless of whether they relate to driver ages, border crossings, or bus passenger numbers.
No winning case can be built without compelling evidence, she notes. The 50km restriction change has not been won yet; far from it. Effort is still needed to get it across the line.
Transport minister Lord Hendy points out that DfT officials have a full in-tray, given wider government policy objectives for transport. A poor response to the survey runs the risk of its suggested course of action losing momentum – which is why if the industry wants the change to be made, contributing is an imperative.
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