Ease restrictions for young coach drivers - RHA MD

There was good news this week for the rail sector with the government lowering the minimum age for train drivers from 20 to 18. Minister, Lord Hendy called it "a significant step forward for young people across Britain" and a way to tackle the looming train driver shortage, with almost quarter of all current train drivers reaching retirement by 2030.

Commenting on this, RHA MD Richard Smith said:

"This will be welcome news for the rail sector, and we couldn't agree more with the reasoning. However, the coach sector faces similar challenges. As things stand, an 18-year-old can now drive a train. Why not a coach? We support bringing younger people into all industries across the road transport and commercial vehicle space. Easing the age-based restrictions on coach drivers would help us future-proof the industry.

"The coach sector is a vital social and economic enabler, supporting tourism, leisure and connectivity. We need to do everything possible to keep it strong. We believe 18-19 year-olds should be able to drive coach services without outdated restrictions. If the logic works for trains, it works for coaches too. Let's give young people the same opportunities across transport."

Meanwhile, DfT has launched a follow up consultation on proposals to remove the current 50km distance and regular service restrictions for 18 and 19-year-old coach drivers. The RHA is encouraging coach operators to complete the survey:

Operator Evidence Survey: 18 and 19 year old driving restrictions