Easington MP Grahame Morris has made representations to Michael Gove after the Cabinet Office ruled to only permit a group of a single household or support bubble on private hire coach trips until 17th May.

The letter urges Mr Gove to re-consider the decision. Many coach companies are already suffering, having not benefited from Government support.

The letter notes the safety measures that have been implemented by the sector, many of which do not exist in other modes of transport which are allowed to operate. Coach companies have introduced several Covid-19 safety measures such as socially distanced seating, controlled capacity, and set arrival and departure times with venues to avoid overcrowding.

The letter emphasises the role of the coach sector in the wider economy: “Allowing Covid-19 secure coach trips would not just help the coach sector but also support jobs across the economy that depend on footfall from visitors. Many of those who rely on coach travel to enjoy days out and for social contact have also been some of the hardest hit by the pandemic and this decision will come as a further blow requiring them to wait at least another month, potentially longer, before being able to enjoy a day out.”

Grahame Morris MP said, “Coach companies – many of which are small, family-run businesses – have been largely excluded from Government support over the past year. Once more singling the sector out by disallowing household mixing on board private hire coaches will only serve to worsen an already difficult situation. I would urge the Government to look at this again.”