Sustainable Cheshire Forum Themes - Transport Information

Transport is a diverse issue that has a fundamental impact on so many other environmental, economic and social issues that it is one that can significantly contribute to sustainable development through careful management. Providing integrated, sustainable modes of transport is one of the greatest challenges facing the UK. Cheshire County Council is at the forefront of promoting transport initiatives to encourage people to think about appropriate means of travel.

Cheshire has a higher than average car ownership which contributes to the levels of increased traffic congestion on our roads. Walking accounts for 25% of all journeys and 80% of all journeys less than one mile. Yet, even over such short distances, journeys are increasingly being made by car. This is not only bad for the environment but may also lead to people exercising less, with adverse affects on the population's health. Cycling, like walking, is an energy efficient, pollution free and healthy form of transport and it is an ideal alternative to the car, especially for shorter trips.

The school run is a major factor in the level of congestion on our roads at certain times of the day. It is estimated to contribute to 20% of traffic on the roads at 8.30am. There is considerable potential for reducing the number of car journeys and encouraging the use of alternatives to the car, particularly for shorter trips.

Buses have a major role to play to help reduce traffic congestion. In order to make buses more acceptable and to attract new passengers, their frequency and reliability need to improve. Improved passenger comfort, stable fares and readily available travel information are also needed.

In a county such as Cheshire, there are the additional complexities of providing access to services and facilities in rural areas. Since the Rural Bus Grant was introduced in 1998, 29 new rural bus services have been established. Programmes such as the Rural Transport Scheme, Dial A Ride and Rural Bus Challenge are providing ways of dealing with some of these issues.


Sustainable Cheshire Forum Transport

	Transport is a diverse issue that has a fundamental impact on so many other environmental, economic and social issues that it is one that can significantly contribute to sustainable development through careful management. Providing integrated, sustainable modes of transport is one of the greatest challenges facing the UK. Cheshire County Council is at the forefront of promoting transport initiatives to encourage people to think about appropriate means of travel. Cheshire has a higher than average car ownership which contributes to the levels of increased traffic congestion on our roads. Walking accounts for 25% of all journeys and 80% of all journeys less than one mile. Yet, even over such short distances, journeys are increasingly being made by car. This is not only bad for the environment but may also lead to people exercising less, with adverse affects on the population's health. Cycling, like walking, is an energy efficient, pollution free and healthy form of transport and it is an ideal alternative to the car, especially for shorter trips. The school run is a major factor in the level of congestion on our roads at certain times of the day. It is estimated to contribute to 20% of traffic on the roads at 8.30am. There is considerable potential for reducing the number of car journeys and encouraging the use of alternatives to the car, particularly for shorter trips. Buses have a major role to play to help reduce traffic congestion. In order to make buses more acceptable and to attract new passengers, their frequency and reliability need to improve. Improved passenger comfort, stable fares and readily available travel information are also needed. In a county such as Cheshire, there are the additional complexities of providing access to services and facilities in rural areas. Since the Rural Bus Grant was introduced in 1998, 29 new rural bus services have been established. Programmes such as the Rural Transport Scheme, Dial A Ride and Rural Bus Challenge are providing ways of dealing with some of these issues.