A parliamentary roundtable session arranged by RHA on 7 May was a great success, according to one attendee from an operator, who added it left him hopeful that the coach sector was being heard.
Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood (pictured third from right) and All-Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism Chair Chris Webb MP heard directly from managers at operators Peter Godward Coaches, Greys of Ely, Jason Edwards Travel, Leger Shearings, Anthony’s Travel and National Express. Also attending were representatives from the Department for Transport and RHA, including Managing Director Richard Smith.
RHA used the parliamentary roundtable to launch its report Coaches – A Clear Route to Growth in which it made 14 recommendations to help the coach sector deliver economic growth.
Among the issues raised by the industry were drivers’ hours regulation, the EU 90/180 rule, skills shortages and getting young people into the sector, PSVAR, regulation “that too often ties coaches in with buses” and restrictions on transport and parking at key tourism locations.
Andrew Church, Head of Commercial Operations at Peter Godward Coaches, says: “It was really nice to attend something that was focused around coach — rather than bus as they often are.
“Simon Lightwood was very much on-side. I think he gets the industry, as well, which helps make a difference.
“Chris Webb was good as well. They were really attentive. I expected to go in and hear them say, ‘Well, we can’t do that because of this’, although of course it was made clear there are budgets to adhere to. I feel positive, I feel there is somebody out there with our back.
“I think we’re a in good place at the moment where the coach industry has a chance to start to be heard or certainly knocking on doors.
“RHA is doing a really good job of promoting the coach market and supporting us.”
Andy Warrender, RHA Coaches Head of Operations, thanked Mr Lightwood for “recognising the economic contribution that coaches play supporting tourism – a key theme of National Coach Week next week”.
He adds: “We look forward to continuing to work together to champion the coach sector, which plays a unique role in communities across the country.”
