Market Drayton is to be officially recognised as a coach-friendly destination next week, something it’s hoped will lead to an increase in the number of people visiting the town and its markets.
Coach-friendly status is awarded by the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK, and Market Drayton will officially receive its accreditation on Tuesday (26 May 2026) in a presentation at the town’s bus station.
This recognition highlights Market Drayton’s commitment to welcoming coach operators and visitors, helping to encourage more coach tours and day trips to the town. This will increase footfall in the town centre, support local businesses, and provide a valuable boost to the wider local economy.
Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport and regeneration, said
“Gaining CPT’s Coach Friendly accreditation is a fantastic achievement for Market Drayton.
“Becoming accredited as ‘Coach Friendly’ will help to increase visitor numbers to the town generally and, in particular, to the Wednesday Street Market and indoor market. The hope is that coach companies will call via Market Drayton on a Wednesday morning en-route to other nearby destinations, such as Hodnet Hall Gardens, Bridgemere Garden Centre and the Dorothy Clive Gardens. We’re also hoping to collaborate with Fordhall Farm to create a bespoke offer for coach groups and visitors.
“Becoming accredited as ‘Coach Friendly’ demonstrates a commitment to increase the number of coach visits that will increase footfall and therefore the income into local shops, cafes and other local businesses – which aligns with the aims of our new destination management plan for the county.”
Oswestry and Shrewsbury have already been awarded coach-friendly status.
More details about the scheme can be found here.
Further information
To achieve coach-friendly status, the following need to be achieved:
- There must be adequate, free drop off/pick up points and free or reasonably charged parking for coaches, all with safe and convenient access to attractions and facilities.
- The destination must have a range of tourist facilities, sites and/or other attractions, all of which should be identified in signage, maps, and /or tourist literature.
- Clear directional instructions and signs for visiting coaches to access the drop off/pick up points and coach parking plus clear and unambiguous signage regarding waiting/parking restrictions and timings.
- If there are bus lanes etc, then they must permit tourist coaches and not be restricted to local bus only without valid reason.
- Driver facilities should be provided and would be a minimum of public toilets. Other facilities would be looked on favourably, such as driver rest facilities, a coach wash, free or discounted driver refreshments/meals, etc.
- Consideration must be given, and provision made, to assist wheelchair and mobility impaired passengers through ramps and other facilities. This should include space for the operation of vehicle wheelchair lifts at a proportion of the drop off and pick up points. There must be adequate toilet provision for disabled passengers.
- A named representative at the local authority who can be contacted or is on hand to deal with difficulties, conflicts and complaints.
- Advance information about tourist attractions, facilities, pick up/set down and parking should be available.
