The RHA has called on the next Mayor of London to create a distinct strategy for coaches in the capital, as well as advancing measures to bridge the industry’s skills gap.
Supplying London – The Road Freight and Coach Industry Manifesto for London includes the trade body’s pleas for coach ahead of the Mayoral Election on 2 May.
Among the key measures it requests is a separate strategy for coach. The Mayor’s Transport Strategy 2018 makes several references to coach but RHA wants more than that.
The manifesto reads: “The RHA would support the creation of a distinct London Coach Strategy, focused on improving coordination between TfL (Transport for London) and the boroughs on the infrastructure coaches need and measures to discourage idle running and unnecessary circulation.”
The issue of idling was raised last summer, in particular, following complaints over drivers in Westminster.
The manifesto also urges action in regard to addressing recruitment issues. It reads: “The next Mayor should ensure the industry has access to the local skills it needs via the London Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), the devolved Adult Education Budget, and Skills Bootcamps.
“The Adult Education Budget must meet the requirements of the freight and coach industries so that learners can secure employment in our sector.”
In summarising the problems for coach operators for London, the document says: “It is getting harder and harder for coaches to do their job for London. Coach parking bays are disappearing, leading to vehicles driving further to find a place to stop, or even just circling near their drop off/pickup locations, increasing traffic and reducing air quality.”
Incumbent Mayor Sadiq Khan is currently ahead in the London Mayor polls as he bids to hold off leading challenger Susan Hall and serve a third term.
