There will be a series of weekend closures to the southbound Blackwall Tunnel and southbound traffic will need to seek alternative routes.
Northbound traffic will not be affected by the closures and will be diverted via the southbound tunnel when required
A challenge for many of us working in transport is keeping track of legislation. For example, the deregulation and the subsequent opportunities for reregulation of the bus network, has introduced new Acts of Parliament and repealed many aspects of earlier Acts, making it, at times, quite difficult for the layperson and, I suspect, the professional to follow.
Therefore, increasingly within the coach industry, I believed we are faced with the issue of unintended consequences. Changes to Acts and Regulations which have an impact on certain operations, which I suspect they were not really meant to do, but at the time these pieces of legislation were being drafted, they were not directly considered.
Take BODS (Bus Open Data Service) for example. I completely understand why having detailed information about the operation and performance of bus services is important and the benefit it brings to the customer and stakeholders. However, its application to certain categories of Home to School (H2S) transport which are not available to the public, and only need to be registered if certain criteria apply, was not something, I believe was actively thought about or understood at the time the regulation for BOBS implementation was drafted.
In fact, it is clear now that registration for H2S routes is quite inconsistent depending on the type of service that is being provided; who is responsible for providing the service (especially if it is a third party who is not the school or the coach operator); and how the fares are charged and collected.
Coach operators are taking different approaches. Some are accepting it is something that they need to do, even if they disagree with it and getting on with the job. A few others are ‘burying’ it and hope it goes away (not a good idea), and there are some, who are now deciding it is time to quit those school contracts that need to be registered and do something else with their vehicles. An unintended consequence with these regulations could lead to some schools unable to cover all their H2S requirements in the future!
Another more recent example, are the PSV (Accessibility Information) Regulations 2023, which although are excluded from ‘closed door’ H2S routes, are required for Rail Replacement (RR) services. For many coach operators, who may only operate RR services on occasions, they will have to purchase some relatively expensive equipment, learn how to programme it and spend time before a job putting in all the various combinations of journeys that might be required (especially if it is a complex RR operation with many variations).
Sadly again, one of the unintended consequences of this will be that some operators will cease to provide coaches for these events. I am already aware of train operating companies who are unable to provide RR services on occasions as there is no bus or coach operator available to cover the workings.
I have more sympathy with this example, as I can see the benefit to customers who use rail replacement services, having the confidence of knowing they are on the right route and getting off at the right stop, especially on a dark winters evening or in an unfamiliar area. But I just don’t think that the practical implications for the smaller coach operators have been thought through.
As ever the UKCOA (and I am sure other trade bodies) will continue to engage with the DfT and others to find a solution that works for all.
Peter Bradley
Managing Director
UK Coach Operators Association
Refurbishment of the footbridge in Windsor which links the coach park with the town centre is due to be completed shortly, allowing the bridge to reopen, provisionally on Tuesday 7 May.
The footbridge, which is considered by many to be the gateway into Windsor, has been shut since the start of the year to allow the extensive refurbishment to be undertaken. This has included the complete cleaning and repainting of the steel bridge structure, preventative maintenance and anti-corrosion works, installation of new bridge lighting, cleaning the Perspex canopy and applying a mirror film to the underside of the canopy.
The complexity of the project, largely due to the proximity of the walkway to the platform at Windsor and Eton Central Railway Station, required this lengthy closure.
Operators are reminded that the coach park, located in Alma Road, Windsor SL4 3HY has 74 spaces. Entry is allowed up to 1830 but exit is permitted at any time. Charges apply daily (including bank holidays) between 09:00 and 2100. Details of charges and applications for coach park permits can be found here: https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/home/transport-and-streets/parking/car-parks-and-park-and-ride/car-park/coach-park. Advance booking for special events in the town is not available.
Peter Bradley, Managing Director of the UKCOA notes that The Royal Borough have expressed their appreciation of coach operators and passengers for their patience while the refurbishment of the bridge has been underway. Structures such as these do require refurbishment from time to time and we are grateful that the works were programmed to take place post-Christmas but before the busy summer period.
As part of our continued expansion, the UKCOA is looking to appoint an exceptional candidate to the exciting new role of Director of Operations.
This will be a key position within the Association, responsible for moving forward issues that most affect coach operators. These currently include accessibility, decarbonisation, school transport, drivers’ hours and recruitment. If you are self-motivated, enjoy problem solving, negotiation and achieving results, then this may be the role for you.
Usually working from home, the job could be full or part time and the salary would be commensurate with experience. You will need to have experience of and a passion for the coach industry across the UK.
The UKCOA is a trade association of Coach Operators, run by coach operators for the benefit of the coach industry and its clients. It is supported by a wide range of Industry Partners.
For more information, a job description and how to apply please email [email protected]
Closing Date Friday 24 May 2024
Contractors working on behalf of Thames Water will be carrying a water connection on the Strand. To facilitate these works there will be a westbound directional closure of the Strand at the junction of Essex Street.
08:00 Saturday 11 May until 17:00 Sunday 12 May 2024
Contractors working on behalf of Westminster County Council will be
carrying out resurfacing works causing a full road closure of Praed Street between Spring Street and Norfolk Place (including London Street).
21:00 Friday 3 May until 05:00 Monday 6 May 2024
Tour buses will need to divert but should still be able to access the tour stop at South Wharf Road from Sussex Gardens via Norfolk Place.
Please note: Westbourne Terrace (Bishops Bridge Road to Sussex Gardens) must not be used as a diversion.
