Blackpool is coach friendly – It’s official!

Blackpool has been recognised as a top destination to head to by coach – and that’s official!

The resort has been awarded formal Coach Friendly Status by the national Confederation of Passenger Transport for its efforts in making both coaches and passengers feel welcome whenever they visit.

The prestigious award, now in its 12th year, officially recognises the commitment the resort has made to meet the requirements of coaches and their passengers, as well as the work to provide first class facilities and information sources for passengers.

In particular, the resort has earned praise for a number of key initiatives to improve access for coaches including:

• The complete refurbishment of the Banks Street car and coach park next to Blackpool North Train station with new lighting columns, complete resurfacing and the marking of car and designated coach parking spaces.
• The introduction of new set down points for groups visiting the Grand Theatre, The Blackpool Tower, North Pier and other venues.
• The launch of LightPool ambassadors across the resort, including Central Car Park, to meet and greet coach parties visiting Blackpool to see its world famous Illuminations.
• The introduction of free coach parking between November leading up to Easter in order to encourage more low season coach visitors to come to the resort.

With the new honour, Blackpool will now join a select number of destinations across the country who officially enjoy Coach Friendly status.

Councillor Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Blackpool has a long successful association with coach travel, stretching right back to the days of the horse drawn vehicle and this new status is a wonderful reflection of the continued commitment that the resort makes to both coach travellers and operators.

“We have invested in some important initiatives recently to make access to the resort even smoother for coaches, enabling travellers to make the very most of their visit here. The award is also particularly timely as this year, Blackpool will be hosting the national UK Coach Rally in May, which will see coaches displayed along the Promenade between Central Pier and North Pier.”

Alf Scrimgour, Operations and Tourism Executive for the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said:

“CPT is absolutely delighted to acknowledge and welcome Blackpool to our Coach Friendly scheme.  It has always been accepted as one of the UK’s premier resorts but this award recognises the commitment the town has made specifically to providing a special welcome to coaches, their drivers and their passengers.

“Particularly helpful has been the close relationship the town enjoys with Blackpool Transport who extend many of their facilities and services to visiting coaches. CPT offers our congratulations to Blackpool thanks for its commitment to the Coach industry.”