Senior officials from Transport for London (TfL) and the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT) have recently launched the new London Coach Parking Map.
Available online from www.tfl.gov.uk/coachdrivers and in hard copy format, the 2016 edition provides coach drivers and tour guides with detailed information on coach parking, set-down and pick-up points, special arrangements for popular tourist attractions and also general advice and guidance for driving coaches in the Capital.
Speaking at the launch which took place at the historic 55 Broadway, CPT’s Chief Executive, Simon Posner,said:
“This map really is the ‘Parking Bible’ for all coach drivers in London and I would like to thank and congratulate all those involved in its production. There is no doubt that London needs coaches so we have to remember that coaches need somewhere to park.
“As everyone knows, land and road space are at a higher premium than ever in our Capital and this very often means that the coach operator’s lot is not a happy one. None of us have it easy and we are appreciative of all that TfL does to support coaches, although we all know that there is so much more that needs to be done.”
Mr Posner added:
“It will only be done however if we work together – which we will continue to do. I applaud today’s announcements and hope that there will be many more to come.”
Ben Plowden, TfL’s Director of Surface Strategy and Planning, said:
“This new map is being delivered in time to help during the busiest time of the year for the coach and tourism industry. We want to make it easier to drive and park a coach in central London because we recognise that tourism makes a major contribution to our economy and we will support that as much as possible.
“London is growing, our roads are changing and there are more people than ever in the city. We are working continuously to improve on-street provision for coaches and looking at innovative ways to make the best us of available space. Work is on-going and, as these changes are incremental, we urge drivers to check the new map and the TfL website regularly before they travel to keep pace with those changes.”
It was also announced that 18 of the 27 short stay bays in London are currently in the process of being converted to 60-minute limits in order to allow drivers to observe the legal requirement for a 45-minute rest period after driving for 4.5 hours
The new map is available online at www.tfl.gov.uk/coachdrivers
