WIREDGOV

Our new research report & case studies show the diverse ways accessibility planning is able to deliver a range of innovative ways to help improve access to a range of services for rural areas.

As part of the Local Transport Plan process, transport authorities are required to carry out a process of accessibility planning. This aims to improve social inclusion for disadvantaged groups, and areas, by enhancing access to work, schools, healthcare, food shops and other key services in a co-ordinated and systematic manner.

The case studies demonstrate how access to essential services can be achieved through delivering services more locally and avoiding the need to travel further afield. Close partnership working between different agencies can also yield important benefits, including attracting finance from outside the local authority.

The case studies range from improved access to fresh food through the home delivery of vegetable boxes, opening an old railway track for cycling, walking and horse riding, to the implementation of demand responsive transport (i.e. non-scheduled services) for more isolated settlements.

Local authorities are due to produce their 3rd Local Transport Plans in 2010. This research demonstrates scope for a wide variety of approaches open to local authorities to improve access to services, some of which may not require the provision of additional transport.

Download the Rural Accessibility report and best practice case studies

The case studies are expected to be made available through the Department for Transport’s Good Practice Shared Website as part of their Local Transport Plan Guidance, so that local transport authorities will have ready availability to the information.