Better Transport

If people feel it is safe to walk or cycle, they are more likely to do so. They should feel that way in the South West, because it has the lowest accident rates of any region, in terms of walkers and cyclists injured or killed by vehicles. There may be a connection between the low accident rates and the fact that urban drivers don’t speed.

But safety is just one factor people take into consideration when planning a journey. In the South West, many people’s decision to drive may be affected by cost. Public transport is more expensive here than anywhere – on a per journey basis and also when one looks at how much of one’s income is spent on public transport. People might also be reluctant to take a bus because the stops are far from them.

It is perhaps not surprising that the public perception of local transport is not good.

Your turn

What do you think of these results? Score the scorecard.

Want to know more? Read the full research or a summary report. 

Some comments we've received

Richard Chisnall in Somerset: I'd agree with the poor score. A bus to the next town (Wells) costs £2.30 for four miles and there's no reduction for a return. Cycling is an option around here as we have many flat areas, but the roads are often narrow, there's a lot of traffic and there are often no verges at all, let alone footpaths to escape to, so novice cyclists hardly dare to ride due to the perceived risk. As for cycle paths: there are hardly any and the existing ones are aimed mostly at leisure and not transport cyclists, which means using the road or taking ages. 

David Bailey in Dawlish: I am not surprised by the results. However rail travel within the boundary of Devon and Cornwall is quite cheap. The problem is when we travel across the border to Somerset the fares shoot up. There is also a Devon and Cornwall annual railcard costing £10 and gives a third off Off-Peak fares within the Devon and Cornwall boundary. In addition, the cardholder can bring a partner who is also entitled to a one-third reduction. Accompanying children are charged £1. This is a good deal. The only problem is that First Great Western do not promote this Railcard to any degree of sufficiency. Another problem is that so many destinations in Devon and Cornwall are not served by rail. Bus fares are also very expensive.

Paul Conway in Exeter: "I'm not surprised by the results. I live 4 miles outside of Exeter, and a return bus ticket is nearly £5. More than £1 per mile! Plus, the bus company don't seem able to run a timely and punctual service, even when charging that amount. One other point to mention is that Devon and Cornwall have a huge amount of roads between them, and a large rural population. Sparse and expensive bus and train services means people see cars as an essential item in many parts. One last point: the cycle path provision down here is perhaps less than you are led to believe. Often, cycle path schemes are muddled, confusing and half-hearted. Exeter city council, for instance, has in the main just put a load of pavements over to dual-use, with little signage and often no line on the pavement to delineate. I can't think of many more potentially hazardous things to do than mix pedestrians and cyclists."

Polly Papas in Devon: "I am not surprised at the region's results. For a long time I have been dismayed at the "pandering to motorists" attitude we have in the UK and of the assumption that we cannot live without cars. However, we also need to improve transport links. I think on the whole we have good public transport services but they could be improved in a number of areas especially in rural areas. Public transport companies should be made to co-operate so that they link together (i.e. bus timetables are created to fit in with train timetables). And dare I say open some of those branch lines that were cruelly shut down back in the day."

Paul Bright in Bournemouth: "I completely refuse to have a car. I completely refuse to live near a road. For me the quality of life for my children is most important. We wish to live in a completely car free environment. Working here in Friedrichshafen car free harbour city zone we have an example of excellent practice which should be applied in all British towns and villages. From arriving in the UK by ship at Poole, people must be able to immediately board trains to all parts of the UK as well as enjoying the towns of Bournemouth and Poole without cars. If it is possible here in Friedrichshafen then it is also possible in poole and Bournemouth. railway lines must reopen. Pedestrian zones must be expanded. Parking and speeding fines must be vigourously enforced. The children deserve a better life and that is a life completely without the menace of cars."

Janet Chapman in Devon: "It is difficult to get anywhere by public transport unless it is on a direct bus route from your home, or you are prepared to spend all day waiting for a connection. The buses all stop too early, so you can only go out in the evening if you do not need to get back home afterwards. Fares are very high. Only those with bus passes can afford to use the bus."

Rev HP Barkham in Wiltshire: "Transport is certainly expensive and buses are not always eay to access. May be we scored well on safety because we have fewer cycle routes."

Regional results

East Midlands East of England North East North WestSouth EastSouth West West Midlands Yorkshire & the Humber