RURAL TRANSPORT - A ROUGH RIDE?

The transport problems of rural areas are discussed. Rural car ownership is higher than the national average, the number of journeys by car is also higher and the amount spent on public transport lower than in urban areas. Even when alternative transport exists, 20% of rural journeys are still by car. Since rural journeys usually result in lower fuel consumption, it is suggested that only very isolated communities pay more for fuel than urban areas. The removal of anomalies in the fuel duty rebate scheme for public transport services is described. The potential for increased traffic growth and congestion is considered higher in rural areas and the number of road casualties has declined less than in urban areas between 1989 and 1999. The transport requirements of different rural settlement patterns are discussed and it is considered that more detailed research is required. Flexible public transport initiatives such as the Wiltshire Wigglybus are described.