Criteria

Members who wish to have a star rating for their vehicles can complete the CTTC application approvals process, to download application form Click Here. Members are invited to self-assess their vehicles to determine what star rating is appropriate, according to the criteria set out below.

If this rating is deemed appropriate by an assessor working on behalf of the CTTC, during his/her site visit, the CTTC will award that star rating to the appropriate vehicle.

The CTTC reserves the right to revise a rating for a vehicle at any time during that year. In such an instance, the member will be instructed to remove the previous sticker from their vehicle, and revise any reference to a vehicle’s rating on their website or any other publication.

Incidents that may give rise to such a revision include a complaint from the public; a challenge to the suitability of the rating by another member; or a decision by the Executive of the CTTC. Spot Checks of approved vehicles may be undertaken at any time and without advanced notice, by independent examiners appointed by the Coach Tourism and Transport Council. Any decision by the Executive on such matters is final.

Standard Requirements for Star Rating of Touring Coaches

1. Approved

· At least 8 metres in length, 3.1 metres in height and 2.4 metres in width

· Not more than 7 years old

Air Conditioning

· Seating and flooring spotlessly clean, showing no signs of fading or wear

Seat spacing 685mm, with headrests or head restraints

· Fresh air ventilation and heating system

· Courier seat with seat belt

· Individual reading lights

· Saloon heater

· Luggage racks

· Ashtrays spotlessly clean and in good condition where fitted

· Magazine racks if fitted as new

· Adequate equipment and materials for cleaning

· Bodywork clean of rust and damage, paintwork in good condition including wheel paintwork

· Side window demisters in good working order or if double-glazed, seal intact

· All locks working, door and luggage door seals in good condition

· Luggage area in clean condition with a minimum capacity of 3.1 cubic metres

· Public address system in good condition

· Full air suspension or assisted air suspension

· Reclining seats

· Full draw curtains/blinds to side windows, spotlessly clean and in good condition

Wi-fi on board

· Radio and CD player deck in good working order

2. Three star ★★★

· Full size coaches, not more than six years old, and in addition to Approved specifications:

· Capable fresh air ventilation system operational when vehicle is stationary

· Footrests

· Centre aisle carpet

· Arm rests to isle and wall side of seats

3. Four Star ★★★★

· Not more than 5 years old and in addition to Three Star specifications:

· Full air suspension

· Condition of seating as new, spacing 750mm minimum

· Thermostatically controlled heating

4. Five Star ★★★★★

· Not more than 4 years old and in addition to Four Star specifications:

· Paintwork in pristine condition.

· Saloon fittings to an exceptionally high standard

· Air conditioning

· Engine independent heater

· Wheel trims/chrome wheels

· Seating to a high standard

· DVD player

· Seating in Leather/High Quality Velour or WC fitted.

Star Classification for Midi/Mini Coaches ★★★★

1. Approved Mini/Midi Coach

· Not more than seven years old

· Not more than eight metres in length

· All fittings and equipment in good working order

· Full width soft trim seating with head restraints

· Arm rest to aisle

· Saloon heater

· Adequate luggage compartment under floor/boot/panelled-off section at rear. A luggage

trailer will satisfy this requirment, provided that it is properly insured and satisfies the

regulations relating to use of such a trailer.

· Cleaning equipment and materials on board

· Radio and CD player in good condition

· Luggage racks

2. Three star ★★★

· Not more than six years old and in addition to Approved specifications:

· Capable fresh air ventilation system operational when vehicle is stationary

· Footrests

· Centre aisle carpet

· Adequate luggage compartment under floor / boot / panelled-off section at rear. (A luggage trailer will not be adequate.)

· Reclining seats

· Decorative blinds, spotlessly clean and in good condition

3. Four Star ★★★★

· Not more than five years old and in addition to Three Star specifications:

· Air Conditioning

· Full draw curtains or blinds to side windows, spotlessly clean and in good condition

4. Five Star ★★★★★

· Not more than four years old and in addition to Four Star specifications:

· Paintwork in pristine condition

· Saloon fittings to an exceptionally high standard

· Wheel trims, chrome wheels or alloy wheels

· DVD player

· CD player

· Seating in leather / high quality velour, or WC fitted

Vehicles used to provide Day Tours ★★★★

Vehicles used in the provision of day tours can receive a star rating, provided that the company meets the criteria of the relevant approved category for their particular vehicles.

A minimum of two vehicles will be required, but the CTTC will consider operators who operate just one vehicle provided they have a written agreement with an approved operator to provide back up in the event of a breakdown.

Open Top City Tour Providers ★★★★

Operators providing open top city tours may receive a star rating, provided that the company meets the criteria of the relevant approved category for their particular vehicles.