Supporting the efforts of the European Institutions to customise driving and rest time
rules for the coach tourism sector, IRU – together with the European Travel Agents’
and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA) and the European Tourism Association
(ETOA) – highlights safety first in improvements to coach services.
Safety is paramount to coach tourism – something which is reinforced by the sector’s high
safety record and the fact that buses and coaches are the safest mode of transport in the
EU. According to Eurostat figures, fatalities resulting from traffic accidents involving buses
and coaches have halved since 2006 showing the sector’s continuous improvement in and
commitment to road safety.
Coach travel is different to other transport activities, with driving patterns allowing drivers to
rest during the frequent and lengthy stops determined by the tour programme. Most driving is
concentrated within the first and last day of a tour.
Matthias Maedge, who leads IRU’s work in the EU, says: “Coach tourism is a business
delivered by people for people. Road safety is not something that can be negotiated and
every traffic accident is one too many. Specific and improved rules for coach tourism
operators and drivers would lift barriers to a better service.”
IRU’s call for a more flexible approach to weekly rest periods and the 12-day, currently being
proposed at institutional level, is based on this pattern (see IRU proposals, pages 5-6). There
is no evidence to suggest that the approach would lead to increased driver fatigue or
accident risk. Rather, more flexibility in managing the daily driving times could lead to less
stress for the driver in performing daily tasks.
Mr Maedge continues, “We are pleased to see the European Institutions recognise the
unique characteristics of this sector. The social dialogue with trade unions should continue,
with conclusions based on factual evidence and mutual understanding that safety comes first
for all parties involved. Employers in road transport have mutual interests with drivers. We
need each other.”
Tim Fairhurst, Director of Policy at ETOA, adds: “Coach tourism drives growth from Europe’s
key long-haul origin markets, whose visitors typically visit more than one country. The new
proposals would allow greater fleet efficiency without compromising safety. The changes are
timely and welcome.”
Merike Hallik, President of ECTAA, concludes: “The well-being and safety of drivers and
passengers are top priorities for our sector. The specific rules needed for the good operation
of our industry is by no means a threat to safety.”
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