Press Release

Ground breaking coach tourism industry agreement to be signed

08 December 2005

The leading players in London's coach tourism industry meet today (Thursday) to sign an agreement for action to improve coach facilities in London.

Senior representatives from London boroughs, police, coach operators, tourism bodies and Transport for London (TfL) will sign the Concordat. They are setting out to achieve a consistent approach on issues including routes, parking provisions and arrangements for special events.

Peter Hendy TfL Managing Director of Surface Transport said "London receives 2.8 million coach visitors a year and they contribute nearly £300 million to the capital's economy. This agreement sets out the needs of this hugely significant industry for London and highlights key issues affecting it.

"We're aiming to achieve a consistent approach across London on issues such as coach access to key tourist attractions, overnight parking and picking up and setting down facilities. That will help everyone involved in, and affected by, the coach tourism business."

The London Coach Forum, a London wide body facilitated by TfL and including representatives from local government, tourism and the coach industry will manage and monitor the Concordat. The Forum will work to make sure the needs of the industry are met and ensure that it plays its part in maintaining good practice.