THE Confederation of Passenger Transport has achieved clarification about controversial coach-parking arrangements at the new Wembley Stadium.

Since its opening earlier this year, many operators have suffered confusion from misleading information, plus high charges, for using the dedicated coach park. CPT has now met with officials from Wembley Stadium to discuss the issues. CS Parking, Brent Council, Transport for London and The Metropolitan Police were also represented.

CPT’s coaching consultant Bob Pilbeam says: "As a result of the meeting we have finally developed a clear understanding of the requirements for coach operators and drivers taking groups to Wembley Stadium. We are especially pleased that all visiting coaches will now be accommodated, even if the on-site parking areas are full, and that all coaches bringing groups for stadium tours can now park for free.”

The following points have now been clarified:

•  Coaches taking groups to Wembley Stadium must pre-order a parking permit at least 3 working days prior to any event by visiting www.csparking.com/stadium. The permit and driver instructions will then be sent out by post. Coaches must not arrive more than 3 hours

• Coaches must not arrive more than 3 hours before the start of any event as the coach park will not be open

• For late bookings, or where permits are unavailable, coach drivers should still follow the coach signs to the Wembley Stadium coach park - from the A406 j/w Drury Way (Eastbound) and A406 j/w Great Central Way (Westbound). On arrival appointed staff will direct coaches to alternate parking facilities a little way from the Stadium. Parking charges will still apply

• Passengers should only be set-down as instructed by the authorities and not in the surrounding streets.

www.cpt-uk.org

ORGANISERS of the International Group Leisure Show have confirmed free coach travel arrangements for group travel organisers and tour operators, throughout the annual exhibition on 20 and 21 September at the NEC, Birmingham.

Some of the coach operators providing the free service include Selwyns Travel, Richmonds Coaches, Bakers Dolphin Coaches and Epson Coaches; all of which will cover their respective regions in the south west, north east and north west of the country as well as London and the east midlands.

Bookings for free coach travel arrangements are now available, but subject to availability. Visitors can simply choose a preferred pick-up point by visiting www.leisureshow.com/getThere and contacting the operator specified to pre-book seats.

There is also free car parking for group travel organisers and coach operators who pre-register for the show. Coach operators who bring their own groups can also receive free coach parking if they pre-book with the organisers.

www.leisureshow.com

THE COACH Tourism Council has confirmed two familiarisation trips for coach operator members this month – one in London and the other in Ireland.

Members visiting the capital will experience a Royal theme with an exclusive private tour of the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace and a visit to the exhibition 'Diana, a Princess remembered' as well as the State Apartments and Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at Kensington Palace. There will also be an opportunity to visit the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms.

The visits have been arranged by The Royal Collection, Historic Royal Palaces and the Imperial War Museum. Members can visit for the day - Monday 17 September - or stay overnight in London at the Westminster Thistle Hotel on Sunday 16 September. Further details are available via admin@coachtourismcouncil.co.uk

Alternatively, members can choose to join a short educational trip to Cork and Kerry in the south west of Ireland with Tourism Ireland in conjunction with Stena Line.

Dates are scheduled for 25 to 27 September, starting in Cork. The itinerary will be designed specifically to inspire coach and group operators to expand and develop their tour programmes to the south west, with visits to some iconic areas and attractions in the Cork and Kerry regions.

A small trade workshop, involving hoteliers and local attractions, will be held on the final day in Cork. Places are limited so members are advised to apply by email only to Dermot Hogan at dhogan@tourismireland.com

www.coachtourismcouncil.co.uk