London coach travel 'improved with new parking times'

Date: 8/9/2011

The coach bays on the Albert Embankment in London have been given a new timetable, in order to reflect the continuing popularity of this form of travel to and from the city.

Transport for London's Coach Manager Darek Podwiazka says that the Department is keen to increase these parking facilities where possible, particularly with next summer's Olympic Games fast approaching.

As of September 5th, the existing bays have provided short-term parking for coaches between the hours of 20:00 and 07:00 BST, while the regular waiting hours of 10:00 to 16:00 BST are still in place.

Coach drivers are still limited to using the bays for 20 minutes, although it is hoped the change will mean they no longer have to waste time looking for somewhere to pull up before collecting their passengers.

Mr Podwiazka notes: "With the London 2012 Olympic Games fast approaching and the popularity of coach travel to London continuing to grow, we will continue to work closely with organisations [...] to maximise and increase coach parking availability wherever we can."

Recent figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealed that the registration of coaches increased by 25 per cent in August, compared with July.

Posted by Mary Treen