MOVES to bolster the right to compensation of long-distance coach passengers affected by disrupted or cancelled services have been delayed amid UK Government fears they would cause too much red tape.

Bus users on journeys of more than 155 miles would have been given the same legal rights as rail or air passengers under new European rules.

The move would also have secured new rights for disabled passengers from March next year.

But key elements, including the right to be offered food when services are delayed or be put up in a hotel if they are cancelled entirely, are now not due to come into force until March 2017. This is due to an exemption likely to be applied under European law.

The delay angered passenger groups and disability charities, who said it would make it more difficult for passengers to pursue claims against travel firms.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said delaying implementation would save £8.2 million over the next decade through avoiding red tape.

However, it admitted passengers would end up paying £1.3m more over the same period as a result of the delay.

UK transport minister Norman Baker said: "We want people taking coach trips and long-distance bus journeys to get a fair deal but we also want to avoid tying operators up in expensive red tape.

"Many of these provisions are already best practice among major long-distance bus and coach operators, including the offer of assistance to passengers with disabilities.

"In addition, domestic law already provides protection for passengers under consumer and equality legislation."

EU Regulation 181/2011 would have entitled long-distance bus and coach passengers to free snacks, meals and refreshments when services are delayed by more than 90 minutes and accommodation when an overnight stay is necessary.

Some elements, including the right to compensation for wheelchairs or mobility equipment that are damaged, will still come into effect from March 1 as they are not subject to the exemption.

However, other regulations that would have guaranteed compensation for disabled passengers who are not allowed to board a service and ensured staff were given disability training have been delayed.

Charity Capability Scotland said the DfT's interpretation of the regulations meant there would be no "designated terminals" north of the Border where disabled passengers would be guaranteed free assistance if more than 36 hours' notice was given.

Elspeth Molony, its senior policy and consultancy manager, said: "This is not just a blow for disabled people, it is a blow for anyone who has a commercial interest in encouraging disabled people to get out and about.

"Research carried out by Capability Scotland and VisitScotland showed inaccessible public transport was one of the biggest barriers for disabled tourists."

Anthony Smith, chief executive of bus and rail watchdog Passenger Focus, said: "Coach passengers can be just as inconvenienced by delay as rail and air travellers and most, if not all, British operators currently provide compensation for this.

"We don't see any reason to delay bringing in something which would just formalise this useful practice."

The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), which represents coach firms, said the industry would comply with any regulations put into effect by the UK Government.

However, a spokesman said coach companies already provided assistance to disabled passengers and compensation for those who suffer disruption.