The North East's transport links - both to and from the region and those within it, have been the subject of much debate and indeed criticism over the past 10 years - mainly because they have struggled to keep pace with the economic development of the region.
Whilst the upgrading of the A1 and A19 trunk roads remain the key focus of the political agenda, connections within the region, particularly those from rural communities to urban areas, appear at the same time to be slipping off the radar.
Transport is a key issue for people living, working or even visiting many of the North East's rural communities and one that's all too often overlooked in the early planning of new routes and in public transport provision.
To deliver a truly seamless transport network, infrastructure improvements must be considered from every end user's point of view, including those of rural communities, to ensure that on entering the North East from the UK's motorways and major roads, to using local routes in the region's cities, towns and rural villages, our transport links are fully integrated.
Living in Wolsingham, County Durham, you only have to look at what would be a regular commute to Newcastle, if I were to find my way using public transport to illustrate the problem. A bus into Crook (usually every hour), then a wait for a bus into Durham (usually one every half hour in peak periods and hourly at other times), at which point I would have a choice of rail or road - a round trip of around 2 to 3 hours as opposed to 40 minutes by car.
As the Government strives to encourage the use of more sustainable means of commuting, it does beg the question how possible it is for those living in rural communities to actually embrace - without a regular service to rely on?
With more car owners on the road, congestion levels higher than ever before and public transport use in decline, the implementation of a regional sustainable transport strategy is of course vital, but making it a reality in rural areas will be require much more thought - and money.
A lack of choice in public transport is a major barrier to people living in rural areas, especially as more services and routes are axed, making it difficult, if not impossible, to commute. Young people in particular are often unable to find work in their local village and forced to look further afield, but cannot commute due to poor services and have no funds to buy their own vehicle.
Connectivity within the region between rural and urban areas must become a main focus for attention, not only to improve links for those living and working in villages, but also to help drive tourism into these areas which plays such an important part of our regional economy. To do this, we'll need more support - and funding - from Government.
A robust infrastructure throughout all parts of the region will attract further inward investment and improving our rural transport links can only act as a driver for future job creation and economic growth.
David Coulson is partner in Rural Chartered Surveyors Broadley & Coulson, Crook and RICS regional policy spokesman on rural affairs
ENDS
Media contact:
Michelle Oliver or Vicky Beynon
Golley Slater North East
0191 2459020
michelle.oliver@golleyslater.co.uk / victoria.beynon@golleyslater.co.uk
