Urgent Support Required for the Coach Industry in Response to Escalating Fuel Costs – 01.04.26

From Monday 17 November, lane restrictions affecting both directions of the A23 between the junction with Holmewood Road on Brixton Hill and the junction with B221 Sternhold Avenue on Streatham Hill will be updated and may lead to more significant delays in the area.

For short journeys in the local area, consider walking or cycling where possible. Cycle diversions will be available throughout these works, and will be safer and quieter than cycling through the works area on the A23.

If you need to drive in the Streatham area, allow more time for your journey and check before you travel as delays are expected throughout these works. If you’re using the A23 for long distance journeys, use the A24 or A3 instead.

The A23 will also be closed between the junction with the A205 Christchurch Road and the junction with the B221 Sternhold Avenue from 22:00 until 05:00 each night on Sunday 16 and Monday 17 November, so traffic management can be updated safely. Signed diversions will be in place during this closure.

This is due to ongoing work to deliver a new permanent road layout on the A23 Streatham Hill. For more information, visit our website.

From Monday 17 November, lane restrictions affecting both directions of the A23 between the junction with Holmewood Road on Brixton Hill and the junction with B221 Sternhold Avenue on Streatham Hill will be updated and further delays expected.

For short journeys in the local area, consider walking or cycling where possible. Cycle diversions will be available throughout these works, and will be safer and quieter than cycling through the works area on the A23.

If you need to drive in the Streatham Area, allow more time for your journey and check before you travel as delays are expected throughout these works. If you’re using the A23 for long distance journeys, use the A24 or A3 instead.

The A23 will also be closed between the junction with the A205 Christchurch Road and the junction with the B221 Sternhold Avenue from 22:00 until 05:00 each night on Sunday 16 and Monday 17 November, so traffic management can be updated safely. Signed diversions will be in place during this closure.

This is due to ongoing work to deliver a new permanent road layout on the A23 Streatham Hill. For more information, visit our website.

The Employment Rights Bill is in its final stages in the House of Lords and is expected to receive Royal Assent by autumn 2025 — with some key reforms taking effect later this year and most major changes rolling out throughout 2026 and 2027.

Updates to speedometer check changes and Automated Driving Systems Speedometers DVSA is changing how speedometers are assessed on IVA tests for cars (M1) and vans (N1). IVA applicants for these vehicles will be asked to declare that speedometers have been installed or converted to read in miles per hour (mph) from kilometres per hour (kph). This is to ensure they comply with section 17 of the IVA inspection manual. Applicants can self-declare that their vehicles comply with these standards using the updated IVA application form. Evidence may be required when the test is taken. This will apply to tests from today (Wednesday 14 May 2025). If you have already completed an application form or your application is being processed on this date, speedometer checks will still apply. This change does not apply to: lorries (N2/3) busses (M2/3) vehicles fitted with speedometers capable of reading in mph or mph & kph (dual marked) from new vehicles fitted with a driver function which allows switching to mph Automated Driving Systems DVSA has added additional questions to the IVA application forms to ask about automated or self-driving features fitted to vehicles. You will need to tell us if the vehicle retains conventional driving controls and features or is fitted with drive by wire systems. Further information on what features are included can be obtained from the Agency.

The Port of Dover is launching a new pilot to simplify and speed up border checks for school groups travelling from the UK to France – and it starts 3 April 2025. Under the scheme, school groups that submit passenger information to their ferry operator at least 72 hours in advance could benefit from faster processing at the French border in Dover. To qualify, schools will need to provide proof of status – such as a screenshot from their national school database registration.  We encourage members to engage and share their experiences as this rolls out.

Click here to read more: Port Of Dover Launches UK-France School Trips Border Processing Pilot To Streamline Travel

250312 Letter updating members regarding Regular and Special Regular Protocol (UKCOA)

Dear Member,

UK-based coach operators running international services will see changes come into effect from 1 April 2025 as the Regular and Special Regular (RSR) Protocol replaces existing arrangements under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).  These updates primarily impact timetabled coach services and those carrying specific groups, such as school transport.

The RSR Protocol largely replicates the temporary TCA provisions, ensuring continued access for UK operators to the EU and beyond.  From April, UK operators will be able to run authorised RSR services to countries such as Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Moldova, and Ukraine, in addition to EU member states.  While this transition is expected to be smooth, operators should be aware of the revised authorisation process through the DVSA (for GB-based operators) and the DVA (for Northern Ireland operators).

For services between Northern Ireland and Ireland, specific provisions will remain under the TCA. These include allowances for cabotage within Ireland for RSR services, transit rights for journeys passing through Ireland to reach Northern Ireland, and occasional services picking up and setting down passengers in Ireland.

Cabotage rules are also changing.  From 1 April, EU operators will no longer be allowed to conduct cabotage operations in the UK.  Similarly, UK operators remain restricted from undertaking cabotage in the EU, meaning services must start or end in the UK.

For operators running occasional services, no changes are expected, and existing requirements for Interbus Journey Forms or TCA Transit Forms will continue. However, non-liberalised occasional services (those not covered by Interbus or the TCA) will still require separate authorisation through the DVSA.

The DfT has confirmed that existing RSR authorisations issued under the TCA will remain valid for their approved duration.

Full details of the changes are attached in the notification sent to the UKCOA by DfT.