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Coach operators urged to register
Coach Operators urged to register for
Bookings for coach parties to the Bath Christmas Market have already begun for the 2009 festive event which will take place from Thursday the 26th November to Sunday the 6th December. Bath & North East Somerset Council, who manage all transport to the city for the market, are urging all tour operators planning on bringing coaches into Bath during the busy Market period to register for a coach permit before arriving in the city.
Around 225,000 people are drawn to the popular event which sees the area next to Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths transformed into a festive shopping haven, with over 100 traditional wooden chalets selling all kinds of handmade, local and unique gifts.
The coach parking operation was improved last year and will be replicated for the 2009 event with marshalling and monitoring of coach parking, information for coach drivers to nearby amenities and facilities, and a shuttlebus service which will drop coach drivers back into Bath while they await their return journey.
All Tour Operators must book in before the event and a form can be downloaded from the Council’s website: www.bathnes.gov.uk/BathNES/transportandstreets/Parking/coachparking/christmasmarket.htm, or by contacting Parking Services on 01225 477133/4 or e-mailing parking@bathnes.gov.uk.
Each company that registers interest will receive important information in the run up to the event. This information will be essential to help organisers to provide the best possible experience to their customers.
The coach parking rates have been set at £1 per seat, so, for example, a 16 seat minibus will pay £16 for a permit and a 52 seat coach £52. Coaches which do not pre-book will be refused access to the designated parking areas and may incur a £70 Penalty Charge Notice.
The 2009 Christmas Market is set to be another popular and busy event so Bath Tourism Plus advise all coach operators to register as early as possible to avoid disappointment, as spaces are limited.
The official website www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk provides information on this year’s market including dates and times, group travel and accommodation information and suggestions on other things to do in
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Notes to Editors:
• How to apply for a permit
You can apply by downloading the form from the website www.bathnes.gov.uk/BathNES/transportandstreets/Parking/coachparking/christmasmarket.htm or from parking@bathnes.gov.uk and post or fax it (if paying by credit card) to the address/fax number provided on the form. Payment must accompany the application.
The Council will write to applicants confirming details of their designated areas, the arrival and departure times, and will send a permit, which must be displayed or handed to the marshal at your designated areas.
The latest date to apply for a permit is
• Arrangements on the Day
On arrival in the city, all coaches should make their way to the designated coach reception area at
At the reception area, coach permit holders will be able to set down and pick up passengers at the times specified by the Council. Preferences on arrival and departure times can be made and will be accommodated as far as possible but cannot be guaranteed.
Designated coach parking areas for permit holders will be provided around the city. You will be advised of your designated parking area upon confirmation of your booking. Routes to the parking areas will be signed from each reception area, and maps and directions will be supplied together with a driver code of conduct which the Council hopes will be respected by coach drivers visiting the city.
• Coach Management Plan
Coach parking provisions for the city of
For more information see: http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/BathNES/transportandstreets/default.htm
• Bath Christmas Market
Bath Tourism Plus is the company responsible for the marketing and operation of Bath Christmas Market, which attracts approximately 225,000 visitors per year to
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