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There was a coach protest on the M6 heading to Blackpool yesterday and this is why

The coach convoy headed down the M6 and M55 yesterday to protest against job losses in the travel industry.

Emily Sergeant - 15th July 2020

A convoy of coaches from across the North West region headed down the M6 and M55 to Blackpool yesterday to raise awareness and protest against job losses in the travel industry.

It was part of the nationwide #HonkForHope rally.

Coach companies and operators from across the region made their way to the popular seaside resort and tourism hotspot of Blackpool yesterday as they campaigned against cuts facing the travel industry as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

As there are fears that thousands of drivers could lose their jobs, with many being left unable to work during lockdown, the #HonkForHope rally is aimed at raising awareness of the damaging effects that the pandemic has had on the UK’s coach industry.

The rally, which started at 11am yesterday, saw the convoy make its way down the M6 and M55 to Blackpool.

Coaches were seen lining the first lane of the motorways.

The convoy’s journey ended at Blackpool Promenade and was widely broadcast by participants and members of the public across social media platforms as it took place.

This is a great statement, 14552 people spending a minimum of £20 each, one company in 2 months took nearly £300k of direct spend into Blackpool, that’s one family company, and one place! @Douglas4Moray @KateForbesMSP @CharlotteV @FergusEwingMSP @routeonetim pic.twitter.com/lshxFSIp3g
— Maynes coaches (@Maynescoaches) July 14, 2020

What a brilliant turn out for today’s #HonkforHope in Blackpool. Feels like one big family! @Coatham here representing our corner of the North East ??? Never seen so many coaches in one place! pic.twitter.com/z2drmIQKfv
— Scott Cooper (@darloscott) July 14, 2020

Went to view the convoy, 16 minutes of coaches, non stop from around the UK , impressive turnout, still need to count the number , here’s the start #honkforhope pic.twitter.com/Of0LM09Bxl
— Foster T&TC (@FosterTachos) July 14, 2020

A simple message from @Tyrerscoaches to illustrate the coach industry's relevance to tourism at today's #honkforhope event in Blackpool. That equate to over 270 coach loads at 53 passengers per vehicle. But still no UK gov't acceptance that coaching is part of the leisure sector. pic.twitter.com/N5vBFq5oGx
— Tim Deakin (@routeonetim) July 14, 2020

Today some of the @backhousejones team have been to #blackpool to show our support for the amazing coaching industry #honkforhope pic.twitter.com/Vz3GNSfh1z
— Chloe West (@ChloeBHJ) July 14, 2020

The #HonkForHope UK event was organised by Jenna Rush, Managing Director of Seaton Burn-based North East Coach Travel, and Matthew Forsyth, General Manager of Northumberland operator M J Forsyth Travel.

The concept for a convoy rally was said to have moved from idea to reality in around a week.

Organisers said it was conceived to show the diverse nature and needs of the UK’s coach sector, which is something they argue has not yet been understood by the government.

Jenna Rush said: “This is a large industry and many operators specialise in areas where no support has been received.”

“As an example, our business centres on private hire.”

“We carry out no home-to-school transport and so have not benefited from any continuing contract payments.”