As a coach operator, I was somewhat dismayed that the new Wembley Stadium has introduced very drastic measures for coach parking.

Firstly, there is now a booking in system, which, if you arrived out of town without first pre-booking a coach parking space, could see you get turned away.

Secondly, although Wembley has never been cost effective for coach parking, it now will cost up to £50 to park a coach for an event.

With the new Low Emission Zone (LEZ) for London beginning next year, which will see coach operators charged if their fleets don’t comply with government guidelines, I can see a large number of smaller companies not offering trips to London. Therefore, Wembley placing an additional burden by overcharging for coach parking will not help. The LEZ will cover a wider area than the current congestion charge zone.

I am not of the opinion that this market can stand such severe and unnecessary charges. So, beware and make your feelings known, as group organisers, this will affect you!

Keith Payne
Commercial Manager
Anderson Travel Group, London