Rural transport has 'slipped off the map'

Posted by Simon Honeysett on Sep 16, 08 09:54 AM in News

LABOUR has neglected rural transport and must "urgently" consider the potential impact of road pricing on countryside motorists, according to a Government appointed watchdog.

a bus to Newcastle

The Commission for Rural Communities has called for a transport policy which recognises the increasing isolation of many families in counties such as Northumberland.

Civil servants in London considering long-term transport schemes, including nationwide road pricing, have been told to pay more attention to motorists outside city centres.

With reduced bus services and rising fuel costs the impact of the changes has meant many families in Northumberland have become almost invisible to Government planners, say the CRC.

Graham Russell, director of practice at the Commission, has worked on five reports which will show the Government exactly what needs to be done.

He said: "What these documents show really is that rural transport has slipped off the map a little. Rural people travel about 10,000 miles a year compared to 7,000 for urban areas. Bus routes and train routes have disappeared and nothing has been replaced."

The Commission's concerns have been echoed by Berwick MP Sir Alan Beith, who said: "I will put pressure on the Government to make sure that any road pricing schemes take account of their impact on rural households and also on the tourist industry which is so important to our area."

A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: "The DfT recognises that rural communities have particular transport needs, and we are committed to ensuring our policies and funding reflects those needs."

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