Every local authority in England will be required to make proper provision for coaches following official recognition by the government of the industry’s importance to public transport.
As part of its Better Connected strategy, The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that it expects local transport authorities to “recognise and plan for the role and contribution of coach services” in their transport plans.
It has instructed authorities to:
· Consider the current and potential demand for coaches in their areas.
· Work with highway authorities to set a vision, policies and plans for coach provision.
· Spell out how they will provide appropriate parking, pick-up and drop-off points for coaches.
· Allow coaches access to bus lanes except in circumstances where this may slow down local buses.
· Explore ways to ‘pump prime’ funding for new, or more frequent, scheduled coach services.
Among the initiatives in the strategy are new powers for local leaders to create ‘tap and go’ travel, a tie-up with Google Maps to help customers to track when their bus will arrive and the creation of a so-called ‘Mini Switzerland’ pilot to enhance local transport in the Peak District.
Alison Edwards, Director of Policy and External Relations at the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), said: “In practical terms, this will mean that every town and district needs a plan for adequate facilities – including parking, pick-up and drop-off points suitable for coach passengers and drivers alike.
“Better still, it means that local authorities will be encouraged to look at ways to help operators expand and improve coach links.”
