Home > Campaigns > Transport > Success stories > Better buses, safer streets for Longsight
A year-long research project carried out in Longsight by Manchester Friends of the Earth has helped locals explain the big transport problems in their area.
Longsight's traffic-filled roads cause congestion and pollution. Few households own cars and local people rely on buses and walking for most journeys.
It is communities like these whose voices are rarely heard when councils decide on transport policy.
Researchers employed simple techniques to
canvas the views of locals, including a nursery group and a sewing class for local Bangladeshi women.
This was the first time the approach - known as participatory
appraisal - has been used to examine the UK's transport problems.
Longsight's priorities were clear. Locals wanted:
Friends of the Earth has helped set up the Longsight Transport Group to bring together local residents and help them influence decisions in the area.
The group has already achieved success, with a new bus service for Manchester Academy pupils.
Better buses,
safer streets for Longsight
(PDF† - 1.4MB) Sept
2003.
Highlights the transport, traffic and safety concerns of the Longsight
community. Bangla and Urdu summary.
Tell the Government what transport issues are important by visiting the Way To Go Campaign.
Image: © Friends of the Earth
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