Month: August 2024

COACH PARKING

As you are no doubt aware Coach Parking is at a premium in the UK.  Many local authorities are looking into this by re-evaluating their estates and trying to find alternative uses for public and coach parking areas.

It is essential that we ensure the future of these vital resources and UKCOA encourages all it’s members to participate in the consultation which will only take a few moments to complete.

The consultation closes on the 22nd September 2024 please visit:  www.surveymonkey.com/r/TravellerConsultation

 

M4 – Prince of Wales Bridge closures

Highways England continue to conduct resurfacing and repairs to the central section of the bridge across the Severn Estuary, which began in July and is expected to be in place until the end of Autumn.

The work is being completed using a combination of overnight and lane closures, with a temporary contraflow and reduced speed limit on the bridges allowing two lanes to remain open in each direction and offering the M48 Severn bridge as an alternative route.

Signage on both sides of the bridge provides live travel information for the M4 and M48 to help you plan your journey.

UKCOA Welcomes New Director of Operations

The UK Coach Operators Association (UKCOA) is proud to announce the appointment of           Stephen Spendley as the new Director of Operations, effective from 1 August 2024.

Stephen brings a wealth of experience from a career dedicated to enhancing transport operations and ensuring regulatory compliance across the UK and European transport sectors. His expertise in managing cross-channel ferry operations, particularly the critical routes between Dover and Calais positions him as an industry leader who understands the logistical challenges and opportunities in this vital corridor.

In addition to his operational knowledge, Stephen has a deep understanding of transportation legislation and government procedures, honed through his significant tenure at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). His experience at DVSA has equipped him with detailed knowledge of the legislative framework governing public transport in the UK, as well as the regulatory challenges faced by coach operators. Stephen had played a key role in shaping enforcement strategies and ensuring compliance with complex regulations, making him a valuable advocate for the Association’s members.

“I am excited to join the UK Coach Operators Association and contribute my knowledge to support our members in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead,” said Stephen. “I look forward to working closely with industry partners to enhance operational efficiencies and ensure that our members are well prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly changing regulatory landscape.”

Stephen Telling, President of the UKCOA said “We are confident that Stephen’s expertise will be instrumental in advancing the organisations strategic goals, supporting its members, and advocating for the continued success and growth of the coach industry”.

The UKCOA are also delighted to announce the recent appointment of Margaret O’Kane as Membership and Administration Manager replacing Laura Li who has moved on to pastures new. Margaret has had a wide experience of administration throughout her career, including a spell with Transport for London.

Peter Bradley, Managing Director of the UKCOA said “I am delighted to welcome both Stephen and Margaret to the UKCOA and significantly increases the resources that we have within the Association. We have an ambitious programme of work to undertake, which are the priorities of our membership. With now over 100 coach operator members and 25 industry partner colleagues this is a great time for companies, especially if not a member of any trade body, to join up”.

  • The UK Coach Operators Association was originally the London Tourist Coach Operators Association, formed in 1976;
  • Today, with over 100 members, the UKCOA represents coach operators who provide services of all types of coach travel including business, education, leisure (including sport and entertainment), airport transfers, local public services and tourism;
  • Together with our industry partners, we work to improve the infrastructure and environment in the UK for coach travel;
  • The Association welcomes new members who share these aims and objectives. For details, please go top our website https://www.uk-coa.co.uk/become-a-member/, email [email protected] or call us on 0333 7333 222.