The UK’s new bus and coach market fell in every quarter of 2017, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Following strong growth in 2015 and 2016, last year saw registrations decline by 12.7% to 7,666.

Double-deck demand saw the biggest fall across the year, declining by 17.1%, with 1,598 units registered. Single-deck vehicles and minibuses also experienced declines, down 8.2% and 3.2% respectively.

Between October and December, 1,688 new buses and coaches (including minibuses weighing less than 3.5 tonnes) were registered, a fall of 15.9% compared with the same period of the previous year.

Single-deck and double-deck registrations both saw double-digit declines in Q4, down by 20.7% and 27.6% respectively. Meanwhile, demand for minibuses was down 5.7%.

SMMT (www.smmt.co.uk) chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Following strong market performance in the previous two years and the highly cyclical nature of fleet purchasing in this sector, it’s no surprise to see orders fall in 2017.

“However, declining business confidence undoubtedly played a part. To encourage future long-term investment, operators must have economic and regulatory certainty.

“Government’s proposed closure of the Euro V legislation loophole is overdue and must be implemented urgently, if we are to get more of the latest low-emission Euro VI vehicles onto our roads and improve air quality in our towns and cities.”