For coach operators, the end is approaching to what has hopefully been a busy academic year.
June and July are traditionally when coaching hay is made. At the same time, operators look forward to some rest before starting again in September. Some find that August is busy too, but for many it is a time to prepare for a new school year.
This time around, uncertainty is in the air. It’s that word: Brexit. The UK will likely leave the European Union (EU) on 31 October. That’s three and a half months away.
The only salvation for the coach industry is that any departure will probably involve a deal. Otherwise, little is known about how exiting the EU will affect it, other than the requirements for trailer registration and, possibly, an international driving permit when venturing abroad.
Uncertainty is bad news. For those operators that work outside the UK, the impact of what may or may not happen at the end of October cannot be fully predicted.
Even for those who do not go abroad, there will likely be consequences. Gauging them is equally difficult.
The cost of spares and consumables could rise. If other operators withdraw from continental work to focus on domestic tours and hires, rates could drop thanks to the age-old supply and demand equation.
But the coach industry has faced challenges stiffer than whatever Brexit poses. When it is combined with slow movement in Euro 6 retrofit, an impending extension of PSVAR’s remit and difficult driver recruitment, operators should take great credit for having kept the wheels turning thus far – something that will continue come 31 October, regardless of what Brexit brings.
