Alex Mayer has secured a written ministerial follow-up on the timetable for reviewing restrictions affecting young coach drivers after leading a Commons debate on the industry's future.
The Labour MP for Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard said the sector faced between 5,000 and 10,000 driver vacancies and that about a quarter of its drivers were aged over 60. She argued that current restrictions limit the work available to qualified 18 and 19-year-olds.
Mayer also pressed ministers to include coach driving in relevant skills bootcamps and to treat coaches distinctly from heavy goods vehicles when planning the transition to zero-emission transport.
Transport minister Keir Mather said the department was considering evidence on younger-driver rules and would set out its next steps. He said the minister directly responsible, Simon Lightwood, would write to Mayer with more detail on timing.
Mather also pointed to a £170 million multi-year depot charging scheme covering heavy goods vehicles, vans and coaches. He said a forthcoming infrastructure strategy would provide clearer national direction for zero-emission HGVs and coaches.
The debate did not produce a commitment to a coach-specific fuel rebate. Ministers said the existing five-pence fuel-duty cut would remain until the end of the year and that Budget decisions could not be announced in advance.
