Air quality is still top of the agenda, says CPT President Ian Luckett, but operators need to be wary of another industry change
I am sure like all coach operators, the team at Lucketts Travel is working pretty much flat out as the holiday season continues.
Despite that, I have been out visiting CPT members across the country and have been very interested to see how colleagues are engaging with their local stakeholders. Now that local authorities are gearing up to use the additional powers they will have under the provisions of the Bus Services Act it is even more important for us to forge good relationships in our community.
At the time of writing the Government’s air quality plan is still awaited, but I am ready to get in touch with my local MP to stress to her the benefits of bus and coach travel, particularly as my company is based in Fareham – one of the potential target areas – and very close to Southampton, which has already been named as a Clean Air Zone.
Implications
The implications for the industry in meeting new emissions standards have been well rehearsed elsewhere, but there are very real concerns that operators will have to advance their investment plans to bring older vehicles up to the required criteria. At Lucketts we have recently made a considerable investment in new Euro 6 vehicles, taking delivery of six Euro 6 Scania coaches, two Mercedes-Benzes and a minibus, and later this year we will take delivery of a further 14 vehicles.
This will greatly increase the profile of our fleet and reduce our emissions footprint. It has come at a price, but it is important that wherever we can, the industry must practise what it preaches and demonstrate its willingness to help improve air quality.
It is, I hope, a familiar mantra that our decision makers are hearing at every opportunity, but it is essential that coaches and buses are seen as part of the solution to our air quality problems, and not simply as one of the problems.
Insurance changes
Another issue that colleagues need to be aware of is the potential change to the current personal industry discount rate.
The Government consulted on its proposal to drop the rate from -0.75% to -0.5% and I know that CPT and a number of operators responded. However, despite the consultation having closed back in May, the Government has yet to respond and confirm its intentions.
I’m sure that the General Election and the appointment of new Ministers may have contributed to the delay. However, should the Government proceed with the proposed change, this will have an impact on the value of some personal injury claims, which in turn will inevitably have an effect on your insurance premiums.
Pat on the back
On a personal note, I am delighted that Lucketts Travel is a finalist in the “Large Coach Operator of the Year” category of the routeone awards.
This is a huge accolade and I am very proud of the whole team who have made it possible. I believe industry award ceremonies provide a very useful purpose in highlighting the very best of our industry, and just being nominated is a huge pat on the back in recognition of continued hard work and dedication by all those involved.
And when you get to take home the trophy, that’s even better! Good luck to all those nominated.
Finally, readers will recall that I am joining other industry colleagues on the Transaid cycle ride from London to Paris in September and am shamelessly asking for sponsorship to help me on my way, but more importantly to raise money for this very worthy cause.
