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This think-piece looks in particular at the relationship between recent legislation affecting rural transport provision and other relevant policy areas. It considers emerging social trends and the barriers relating to mobility and accessibility in rural areas which impinge on social inclusion and the quality of life for rural communities. A range of case studies is described that help to assist with the delivery of new approaches to transport solutions in rural areas.

It is observed that recent reports from government about long-term links between transport, sustainable development and climate change largely ignore rural issues, notably how emission reductions will impact on rural areas. Concern is expressed regarding future funding in the face of the withdrawal in recent years of a number of schemes which were directed towards improving rural transport provision.

The importance of accessibility to key services has important implications for the sustainability of rural communities. Public transport provision as a means of improving accessibility to these services must form part of the policy mix otherwise dependence on the private car will not diminish.

Some of the barriers preventing a more sustainable transport system are described, such as distance, the costs of transport, road safety (real and perceived), physical severance (e.g. a motorway) and lack of adequate information about the travel options. The reliability and convenience of alternatives are often not sufficiently attractive to encourage people to relinquish use of the car.

These factors have an effect on the environmental quality of rural areas with traffic noise, visual intrusion and pollution on the increase.

Tourism is also an important factor in many rural areas with as many as nine out of 10 visitors arriving by private car in some cases. Nevertheless, rural areas should contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions in order to meet government targets.

This is one of 5 new thinkpieces on transport in rural areas. The other thinkpieces are:

• The implications of technological change for rural transport

• Rural life without carbon

• The potential impacts of road pricing on rural areas

• Sustainable rural accessibility – is it really possible?