Archived press release

Rural Transport: New Report Reveals Hidden Crisis

9 June 1997

A report released today by Friends of the Earth local groups in Wiltshire reveals that radical action is needed to avert the mounting crisis of traffic growth and car dependency in the countryside. The launch follows the commitment last week by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to "a fundamental review of transport policy" and an "integrated transport system"[1].

The report, 'Making Tracks in Wiltshire', focuses on Wiltshire as a case study [2]. It contrasts the lot of the 'rural rich' who can afford abundant car travel with the 'rural poor'who are consigned to the bare minimum of transport provision. The report points out that transport funding is heavily weighted towards urban dwellers while rural transport has been consistently neglected.

Wiltshire Transport Campaigner, Kate Freeman said:

"For decades the Department of Transport has been content to sit back and watch rural transport go down the plug hole. And our short-sighted local politicians seem hell-bent on the futile policies of road building in response to soaring traffic levels.
She continued:
Wiltshire Friends of the Earth welcomes the Government's new commitment to a balance transport strategy. We are going to need a radically new approach to tackle car-dependency and solve the tangled web of problems faced by country dwellers."

Although there are no easy answers, the report identified some key mechanisms for future transport policies:

* Better and fairer targeting of funding, with rural transport getting its share;
* More resources for public transport running costs (rather than just capital costs);
* Some re-regulation of bus services to prevent 'cherry-picking' on popular routes;

The report also recommended that these policies should be promoted together as part of a coherent 'package bid'. This is the mechanism of bidding for funds which the Department of Transport currently prefers, and package bids require a truly integrated approach.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

[1] Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, who is also Secretary of State for Environment,Transport and the Regions, gave the 'Green Light' to an integrated transport system in a press release and speech on 5 June 1997.

[2] Making Tracks in Wiltshire: Rural Package Bids - the Next Generation, is available from Wiltshire Friends of the Earth c/o 10-12 Picton St, Bristol BS6 5QA. Price £22 (£12 to voluntary organisations).

The report is 40 pages long and contains a detailed analysis of mechanisms and policy relating to transport in rural areas. It is an invaluable guide for local planning authorities and all local groups or organisations interested in rural transport strategy.

[Index]

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust