Rural Transport Thinkpieces: Rural Advocate's Introduction

"In my role as Rural Advocate and Chairman of the Commission for Rural Communities I visit a wide range of rural areas.

A common concern amongst people living and working in these areas is a feeling of remoteness and vulnerability. This is perhaps not so surprising in more remote areas but can also be a feature of areas perceived to be more accessible.

Problems are even more acute for people without their own means of transport and can add to the sense of isolation. Poor public transport makes life difficult for low-paid workers. Services continue to be eroded making the need to access increasingly centralised provision more critical. Accessibility is therefore a key consideration for a vibrant rural community.

I feel therefore that it is timely and important that the CRC contributes new thinking to issues relating to rural transport. Transport is a key component of sustainable rural communities both in terms of social and economic well-being and also for its impact on self-sufficiency and carbon emissions.

In my recent advice to the Prime Minister on the economic potential of rural England, I presented evidence and solutions which are aimed at securing a step change in the performance and resilience of our rural economies. There is much unfulfilled potential for rural business to expand and flourish. An effective and efficient transport system is necessary to help achieve this.

To stimulate discussion we have started to commission a series of transport ‘think-pieces’ covering a range of topics. I am pleased to see the release of the first five of these which I consider add much valuable thinking on the subject.

The range of issues and evidence covered illustrates the complexity of the subject. As well as looking at the future in terms of possible policy initiatives and the impact of technological change, there is a wealth of evidence of initiatives already taking place. I have seen for myself many examples of innovative action at a community which contributes to their vitality and the quality of life of people living and working there.   

I therefore hope that these think-pieces attract the attention they deserve. They are intended to help encourage debate and influence future policy, not only nationally but also at regional and local levels."