Provision for coaches urged in RHA consultation response

RHA has communicated the need for coach provision in its response to a government consultation.

The trade body’s Task and Finish Group for Driver Facilities has responded to the government’s consultation on proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The NPPF sets out the government’s economic, environmental and social planning policies for England. The policies apply to local and neighbourhood plans and to decisions on planning applications.

In its response to the consultation, RHA made it clear that as communities grow the need for more public transport provision including coaches is key.

James Barwise, RHA Policy Lead, said: “We are pleased that the ‘freight and logistics’ sectors have finally been acknowledged in the draft of the new NPPF as playing a vital role in a modern economy. But we would like to see more detail about how our industry can be supported on green infrastructure, lorry parking, warehouses, distribution centres and provision for coaches.”

On decarbonisation the RHA says there should be a presumption to approve planning applications for all forms of renewable and low-carbon developments, including those which provide green infrastructure for coaches.

James said: “We urge the Government to update the NPPF to articulate a more positive narrative about our industry as an economic driver. We also call for lorry parking provision to have stronger representation in parts of the updated Framework to ensure it is a consideration in more planning applications.

“We have long called for NPPF reform and look forward to seeing how changes will help the transport sector drive economic growth.”