RHA supports reopening Matlock Baths coach park

Coach trade body RHA is supporting moves to reopen a parking area for coaches in Matlock Baths.

The facility in the Derbyshire village is currently in use by travellers and not available to coach operators. It has been closed for nearly two years. Derbyshire Dales District Council has consulted on plans to earmark other locations for the families which would free up the parking spot that accommodates up to nine coaches and 22 cars.

The RHA has responded to a consultation and calls for the site to made available to coaches again. They say it would boost the local economy amid reports that some operators are reluctant to stop in the village given the lack of parking.

“We support efforts to restore the parking area which would benefit tourists, coach operators and the local economy alike” – Andy Warrender, RHA Operations Manager, Coach Sector

Andy Warrender, RHA Operations Manager, Coach Sector, said: “Matlock Bath is a long-established visitor destination and coaches provide a significant proportion of tourism traffic to the village and wider Derbyshire Dales area.

“We support efforts to restore the parking area which would benefit tourists, coach operators and the local economy alike.”

Officials are expected to discuss consultation responses before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the RHA has called on the Chancellor for measures in her upcoming budget that will support coach operators to help drive economic growth. Key asks include on roads investment, incentivising the uptake of low-carbon fuels, and full expensing for leased assets.

• A petition for the reopening of the coach and car park can be found here.