7 Delivering Accessibility
7.1 The Role of Accessibility
Introduction
This chapter demonstrates how we will address accessibility issues and integrate them into our future plans. As our Accessibility Strategy is shaped and implemented we will use it to ensure that social inclusion, economic regeneration, quality of life and our health and access to good education are part and parcel of the delivery of our transport plans. Achieving social inclusion is a key objective of central Government, which has issued guidance on how accessibility to services can be improved to promote social inclusion and so enhance economic regeneration, reduce health inequalities and improve education attendance. Transport has a crucial role to play in supporting these wider social objectives by making opportunities more accessible.The Social Exclusion Unit examined the link between social exclusion, transport and the location of services. They focused particularly on access to those opportunities that have the most impact upon life-chances, such as work, learning and healthcare, as well as the opportunity to buy nutritious, affordable food and enjoy active leisure and recreational pursuits. The Unit published its final report on social exclusion and transport Making the Connections in 2003i and in it they adopted the concept of accessibility planning as a suitable means of analysing and addressing some of the most pressing social exclusion problems. Adequate accessibility can be characterised as the opportunity for people to be able to get to key services at reasonable cost, in reasonable time and with reasonable ease.
Accessibility to the rights of way network, County Council recreation sites and information produced to encourage outdoor recreation are priority actions identified by the Rights of Way Improvement Plan.7.1.1 Barriers to Accessibility
Good access is a necessity if people are to reach the four essential services - healthcare, education, employment and appropriate food retailers - as well as the other appointments - family, sporting, leisure and social - that enable them to play a full part in their community. Broadly speaking there are five key barriers to people being able to access services; The availability and physical accessibility of transport- For many people public transport does not go to the right places or go at convenient times. This may be a particular problem in rural areas or at quieter times of day or night. There may also be problems with the vehicles, with many buses not yet meeting accessibility requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act. Passengers may need to travel with heavy and bulky items that are difficult to transport by bus or train.
- For some people the cost of transport, by car or public transport can be a major barrier to accessing services or opportunities. In particular, the cost of travelling by public transport has risen at a greater rate than by private car. Between 1990 and 2003 Bus fares rose by 26% in real terms compared with a 4% increase in cost of car travel.
- In the 1980s and 1990s there was a rapid increase in the number of services offered at locations difficult to reach without a car, often on the edge of town. This was particularly characteristic of development occurring at locations designated under The 1946 New Towns Act. In Lancashire Skelmersdale and Central Lancashire were both developed under this Act. The rights of way network offers enormous potential for encouraging exercise and outdoor recreation. There are significant barriers preventing participation by some social groups and the RoWIP seeks to remove these barriers where possible as a priority.
- Crime, fear of crime and antisocial behaviour can be a major deterrent to travelling particularly by public transport, walking and cycling.
- Some people are unwilling to travel long distances and so may be missing out on important opportunities. They may not know about or trust transport services. People may be put off using public transport services because they are not familiar with how they operate and may find it difficult to find out.