Archive for category: News

It’s no secret that the transport industry has been a significant contributor to the emission of greenhouse gases. As a society, we must be regimented. It’s important that we consider our carbon footprint when travelling, opting for the viable mode of transport that has the lowest impact on the natural environment.
In this article, we’re going to explain why coach travel is one of the least environmentally harmful modes of transport, and how choosing to travel via coach rather than car can help the UK reach its carbon emission targets for 2050.

CAN TRAVELLING BY COACH REDUCE EMISSIONS?

A study by the Department for Transport/National Atmospheric Emission Inventory found that coach travel has the least harmful environmental impact out of every mode of transportation, excluding cycling and walking.
A single journey from London to Edinburgh in a standard coach results in an average 9.2kg of CO2 emissions per passenger. In contrast, the very same journey would result in the following emissions per passenger:
Plane – 96.4kg
Car – 71kg
Train – 11.9kg
Opting to travel in a coach instead of a car can save 61.8kg of CO2 emissions on a single trip. Think how much that could save on hundreds, or even thousands, of journeys.

WHY DOES A COACH HAVE SUCH A LOW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT?

One of the primary reasons that travelling by coach creates such a small carbon footprint compared to other vehicles is that it can accommodate a large group of people in one trip. Instead of all using separate cars, with each car releasing its own emissions, coach riders will instead share a single road vehicle. The emissions of one coach compared to the combined emission of multiple cars is much lower.

Technology is another significant factor. The technology in coach engines is always evolving. Engines are constantly optimised to ensure that they continue to reduce their diesel particle emissions and fuel consumption. Here at Wyatt Coaches, our coaches incorporate modern engines that utilise these advancements to minimise their emissions.

HOW COULD INCREASING COACH USAGE IMPACT THE FUTURE?

Even just a small rise in coach use can yield a huge environmental impact. The Confederation of Passenger Transport released figures showing that even just a 10% rise in annual UK coach journeys would translate into over 17 million fewer car journeys.

Not only does 17 million less cars on the road directly reduce carbon emissions, but it also frees up road space significantly, reducing traffic jams. The decongestion will allow average speeds to rise in the remaining road vehicles and consequently enable engines to operate more efficiently, leading to a further reduction in emissions.

Changing from car to coach for viable journeys will help the UK towards its goal of reducing carbon emissions up to 80 percent by 2050. The UK Government have also noted that they hope their leadership in this pledge will help to lead the way for other countries to follow suit. Ultimately, a relatively trivial change, such as changing from car to coach on viable journeys, can have a dramatic knock-on effect that could alter the fate of our planet.

Allenby Coach Hire offers personal coach hire for all occasions. Our coaches feature modern engines that reduce emissions where possible, in addition to comfortable interiors and experienced drivers. Whether you need airport transfers, wedding transport or anything in between, we can help. We operate throughout London and the South East simply give us a call to find out more.

Dear Allenby Coach Hire

We have received a communication from DfT with the very surprising and disappointing news that the Cabinet Office has advised that ‘private hire coach trips’ in England are currently only permitted for a private group of a single household/support bubble (with the coach driver and tour guide not counting towards the single household/support bubble rule).

Private Hire coach trips

Cabinet Office advises that ‘private hire coach trips’ (in England) are currently only permitted for a private group of a single household/support bubble

The communication from DfT acknowledges that this differs from the previously understood position as set out in the DfT’s Safer Transport guidance for operators, which states that social contact rules preventing passengers from gathering with those outside their household/support bubble“…do not place any capacity constraints on public transport services and private hire vehicles, including organised coach travel” and advises that “Operators should continue to provide transport services that can accommodate separate multiple groups which conform to the requirements of the relevant social contact rules.”

Based on the new Cabinet Office guidance, which the Department says set the parameters for coach travel, private hire coach trips/tours carrying multiple household groups will only be permitted from Stage 3 of the Roadmap, currently scheduled for 17 May. It says that such trips carrying multiple household groups will not be permitted until then. DfT says that it will update the Safer Transport Guidance to clarify the matter shortly.

CPT officers are very aware that this decision will have a serious impact on those restarting excursions and private hire trips as part of the Government Roadmap. We very much feel that this guidance is unfair and non-sensical, and have made this clear to the Department. We have stressed our belief that COVID-secure coach trips are in reality as safe or in some cases safer than the alternative of passengers using public transport to reach their trip destination. Our Chief Executive, Graham Vidler has this afternoon met with the Minister, Baroness Vere and set out our position very clearly. The Minister has agreed to review the matter and see what can be done. We shall also be writing to the Cabinet Office as a matter of urgency.

Keith McNally – Operations Director, CPT UK

Ahead of the official guidance being published, Department for Transport has provided CPT with the following information to help bus and coach operators in England prepare for the mandatory wearing of face coverings by public transport users from Monday 15 June.

**Please note that this is not official guidance and some of the information contained within this update may be subject to change**

Who will have to wear face-coverings?

• All passengers on buses, coaches*, domestic and international trains, trams, passenger ships/vessels and hovercraft, aircraft, and cable cars in England.
• DfT is working with the Devolved and Administrations and operators to test options on face coverings for cross-border and international services.
• The regulation will not apply to those in other spaces such as stations, seaports or airports, but operators may choose to ask their passengers to wear a covering in transport hubs where appropriate.
• The regulation will only apply to passengers, it will not apply to the workforce. The wearing of any protective clothing or PPE by the workforce is a matter for the operators to address following a risk assessment as part of their health and safety responsibilities. DfT will work with operators and other interested parties to ensure that face coverings are available to their staff.

Who is exempt?

• Following an Equalities Impact Assessment, exemptions will apply to those with:

1. Breathing difficulties and other respiratory conditions.
2. Conditions affecting their dexterity, meaning they are not able to put on a face covering.
3. Mental health conditions such as anxiety or panic disorders.
4. Other non-visible disabilities such as autism.
5. Cognitive impairments, including dementia, who may not understand or remember the need to wear a face covering.
6. Visual impairments, with a restricted field of vision, particularly if any residual vision is at the lower edge of the normal field of view.
7. Impairments which would make it difficult to put on or take off a face-covering safely, accurately, consistently or without pain.

• DfT also expects there to be reasonable judgement to ensure people can respond appropriately to avoid the risk of harm to themselves or others, and seek emergency medical assistance if required.
• The exemptions also apply to those who rely on lip-reading. This would include carers who are travelling with someone for whom a face covering will inhibit communication.
• You will also be able to remove your face covering for eating/drinking if necessary and taking essential medication.
• The regulation will not apply to children under 11 or children on dedicated school transport services.
• DfT expects everyone to wear a face-covering if they can. The above list of exemptions is not exhaustive and would extend to someone who has a justifiable reason for not wearing one on the grounds of health or disability not outlined above.

What about compliance?