In this review we focus on the implications of the UK Government’s new Better Connected Integrated Transport Strategy for urban and rural communities.
The Strategy sets the direction for a more joined-up transport network that works better for passengers, drivers and communities across England. Of course, at the People & Places Partnership, we are going to be pleased by a strategy that sets out its guiding principles as combining People, Place and Partnership, namely by:
- putting people at the heart of everything they do
- using transport to create better-connected places
- working in partnership with local leaders and experts
Beneath these guidelines, the strategy focuses on key priorities of creating a transport system that is people-focused, safe, reliable, affordable, and accessible, helping people make the journeys they need more easily. That said, it’s a bit of a geeky read with a series of largely technical, modest steps set-out for each of these priorities.
Urban and rural differences
At People & Places, our focus is on the impacts for residents and users of towns and cities, whilst being cognisant of different challenges facing rural areas. We therefore focus our review on understanding the benefits that the Better Connected Strategy seeks to provide, with a distinction made between urban and rural areas.
The Better Connected Integrated Transport Strategy states that over 80% of the population live in urban or suburban areas that benefit from a variety of transport options including public transport, walking, wheeling and cycling. In contrast, only 20% of the population live in rural areas which tend to have fewer public transport options and the highest reliance on private vehicles.
Here we summarise how Better Connected distinguishes future expectations for integrated travel between (a) urban and (b) rural areas.
1. Active travel
a. In urban areas people should be able to walk, wheel and cycle entire journeys, such as local trips to school or work, enabled by accessible infrastructure and supportive policies. Walking, wheeling and cycling can also regularly be used to support the first and last stage of longer journeys using public transport.
b. In rural areas, good walking, wheeling and cycling solutions should be delivered between small communities. Places where people need to walk or wheel, such as in and around villages, should be safe to do so.
2. Micromobility
a. Within towns and cities, micromobility options (e.g. e-bikes and e-scooters) should be available for short trips and to support first and last mile connectivity, particularly rental services that can provide more flexibility than ownership.
3. Public transport
a. For towns and cities, frequent and well-integrated public transport services supported by measures that give buses priority on the roads, should provide people with good options to get around cities quickly and easily. They should also provide longer distance connectivity to passengers and workers of ports and airports, and reduce congestion.
b. Reliable, coordinated local bus services should connect rural residents with key facilities and provide a viable alternative to private car use.
4. Shared transport
a. Promoting car and lift sharing should be used to manage congestion and overall traffic emissions in urban areas. Local areas decide if motorcycles can use bus lanes to reduce congestion.
Taxis and private hire vehicles should support first and last mile journeys in towns and cities and provide services outside of peak hours when other modes of public transport are less available, supporting night-time economies.
b. Demand responsive transport, community transport, taxis and private hire vehicles, shared cycle schemes, car clubs at rural rail stations and mobility hubs should offer people flexible options to increase connectivity.
First and last mile connectivity should ensure residents can easily complete their journeys from homes, workplaces, town centres and visitor attractions using different transport.
5. Transport choices
a. Local transport should connect effectively into national networks, including long-distance rail services and the Strategic Road Network to connect different urban areas. City regions should lead the way in providing attractive and reliable alternatives to private cars, which naturally impacts places outside of urban centres.
To reduce the amount of congestion on roads, public transport should be the cheapest and most convenient option for the majority of local trips. For journeys that need a car, electric vehicles play a role in reducing emissions and improving local air quality.
b. As public transport routes are likely to be more dispersed in rural areas, there should be safe and well-maintained roads for those who rely on their car. Motorcycles offer another mobility option to provide access to services and opportunities. More people transition to using electric vehicles when travelling by car, supported by expanded charging infrastructure.
6. Transport technologies
a. Future transport technologies, such as selfdriving vehicles, should complement the existing integrated transport network in urban areas and improve road safety. Innovative last mile freight delivery solutions should be deployed, such as cargo bikes and local cargo hubs.
b. Self-driving vehicles should be integrated in future to complement the existing taxi, private hire vehicle and bus fleet, and provide more travel options in rural areas.
7. Spatial planning
a. Spatial planning in for towns and cities should consider proximity to public transport links and building at high and ambitious densities to support its use, creating developments where people do not need to rely on private cars to access shops, jobs and education opportunities.
b. For rural areas, spatial planning should consider how to minimise transport-related social exclusion and ensure that solutions align with local housing, environmental priorities and the Land Use Framework.
8. Isolated areas
Transport at tourism hotspots, such as National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, should be well managed, with park-and-ride options to reduce congestion in seasonal peaks.
Island communities that rely on vital ferry routes should be served by affordable and regular services that are integrated with other transport.
Further information
You can use this link to download a copy of the Better Connected Integrated Transport Strategy.
The People & Places Partnership provides specialist support and guidance aimed at boosting travel into our town and city centres. This includes support to councils and place partnerships about ‘improving the journey from sofa to shop‘. Because parking is always a ‘hot topic’ with town centre stakeholders, especially businesses, we have developed the People, Places & Parking Process as a specialised service that seeks to improve this aspect of travel to town.
