Integrated transport

As the volume of cars and lorries on our roads continues to rise, there is an increasing imperative to provide public transport, cycling and walking alternatives for the highway user in a way that is coherent and provides an integrated transport solution. Given the restricted capacity of existing rail and road networks, and that many of us are unwilling to abandon the daily use of the car, this is not easy. But, as the networks become increasingly congested, we must concentrate on sustainable and integrated solutions. CSS, whose members are responsible for managing three quarters of the national road network, has a key role to play in taking this national issue forward..

Where does CSS stand?

CSS members are involved directly, or can influence, all aspects of the integrated transport agenda. This is through Local Transport Plans where sustainable solutions will be sought by promoting and giving appropriate priority to walking, cycling, public transport and traffic management and working with national bodies and groups concerned with progressing integrated transport including Government.

CSS is committed to an approach that:

• Recognises that travel patterns have to change and the over-reliance on the car is not sustainable into the future
• Recognises the environmental effect of travel and, while acknowledging that the ability to travel is a vital component of our personal lives and the economy, seeks to minimise adverse impacts
• Encourages joint working by all interested parties to provide appropriate solutions that truly integrate the roles of private and public transport
• Considers how the need to travel can be reduced through measures such as home-working, taking services and goods to more remote areas and land-use planning
• Through accessibility and connectivity, targeting appropriate measures to provide sustainable means of travel such as public transport rail/bus interchanges, park-and-rides and safe routes for walking and cycling
• Recognises that the car is still a necessary part of any integrated transport solution, particularly in rural areas where alternatives are difficult to provide.

To strengthen the efforts towards integrated transport solutions, CSS has urged:

• That Government assist local authorities delivering integrated transport by providing greater influence over private companies delivering services (eg bus companies) to provide solutions that best suit the travelling public
• That Government recognises the complexity and expense of delivering integrated transport solutions by identifying how necessary investment can be made available.