The LEZ is now well established for HGVs and becomes effective for buses and coaches in July 2008. Epsom Coaches group are as usual ahead of the field, with our entire fleet not only ready for the initial phase for Euro 3 compliance, but also for the second phase, Euro 4 in 2012.  Commercial Director Steve Whiteway commented “Our heavy investment programme in new vehicles ensures our 90 strong fleet of PSV’s are certified to the highest possible environmental standards and we are able to comply with the forthcoming LEZ without resorting to engine conversions.  A newer fleet is not only good for the environment, but also provides improved comfort and safety for the 7 million passengers who travel with us every year.   Our environmental policy also extends to our premises with initiatives to reduce water, gas and electricity consumption together with waste recycling”

Alistair Scott has won Coach Tourism Manager of the Year at a recent awards ceremony. Alistair is Product and Marketing Manager of the holidays division at Epsom Coaches. The Coach Tourism Awards are considered the top honours in the coach holiday business, and winning is the ultimate accolade. The holidays division of Epsom Coaches last year enjoyed a record year; much of this is attributed to their unique door-to-door service whereby customers are brought from their door to Epsom’s acclaimed departure lounge at their headquarters. The judges were also particularly impressed that Epsom Coaches have readily embraced the internet.

Alistair said ‘although my name is on the award, it is very much a team effort at Epsom Coaches; the Directors, Sales Staff, Operations Staff and Drivers are all dedicated to creating the finest coach holidays.’

Epsom Coaches were also finalists for two other awards, UK Holiday Programme of the Year and Coach Tourism Brochure of the Year.

Epsom Coaches will not be applying fuel surcharges to any of its holidays or day excursions in 2008, despite the recent steep rise in diesel prices. Epsom Coaches has a ‘no surcharge guarantee’, which also protects against currency fluctuations. Many other coach tour operators do not have such a guarantee and are already applying increases to the price their holidays, including well-known national companies. Holidays by air have been subject to fuel surcharges for some time.

Steve Whiteway, Commercial Director, commented ‘we use 6000 litres of fuel per day for our bus and coach operation and obviously the fuel price increases we have seen are a major concern. However our relationship with our customers is paramount and we believe that the price you see in our brochure should be the price you pay for your holiday.’ 

Epsom Coaches have been nominated for three awards at the Coach Tourism Awards Ceremony on Thursday 5 June 2008 for their prestigious tour operation. Epsom have been short-listed in the following categories:-