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Road Markings and Signage

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Leeds1970

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13 Nov 2014
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If a road is marked as a bus stop and also marked as a bus clearway (both in yellow), has a shelter with a flag denoting service numbers and there is a sign fixed to a lamp post stating buses only - can a tour operator / holiday coach legally, load / unload passengers & luggage?
A large coach holiday operator has done this several times at a stop I use, regularly blocking service buses from the stand - the coach drivers claim they are legally allowed - is this correct? If so why do National Express and other tour operators bother to use coach stations as road pick ups/set downs would be far cheaper?
 
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RailUK Forums

Man of Kent

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The tour operator can use it if the sign states "No stopping except buses". But if instead it is "No stopping except local buses" then it is restricted to registered services.

Technically nothing should be at a bus stop clearway for longer than two minutes - beyond that, the marking "Bus Stop" should be replaced with "Bus Stand".
 

Titfield

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Slightly off topic but the same distinction applies to bus lanes. Some are bus lanes (usable by all pcvs) and some are for local bus services only. Unfortunately they are not always clearly marked nor apparently is there a central register of all local bus only lanes.

To answer the question about coach stations it is to provide points where a) toilets and under cover waiting facilities are available b) where coaches can stand (as opposed to set down pick up) to allow drivers to take their legal required breaks and, of course, have access to facilities e.g. toilets c) where supervision to manage late running, connections can be provided d) where tickets may be purchased and information be provided.
 

carlberry

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If so why do National Express and other tour operators bother to use coach stations as road pick ups/set downs would be far cheaper?
National Express have traditionally used coach stations and their customer base is likely to expect it. Flixbus and Megabus mostly dont (other than London where the local authority forces them to). I'm not aware that tour operators generally do without there is specific provision for them but, again, it would vary.
 
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