Conclusion
5.49 The South West is a relatively large region with a dispersed population. The effects of this can be seen in terms of spend on transport being one of the largest elements of household expenditure. Transport and communications, like many aspects of life in the region, show a strong east to west trend, from the generally accessible east, closer to the national core, to the more remote and sparsely populated west.
5.50 Heavy reliance upon the private car is still evident in the region, with the majority of trips being made by car. In comparison to other regions the use of buses and their availability is low. Traffic volumes on major roads have increased significantly and if this trend continues it will place an even greater strain on the road network. However, despite the increase in traffic volumes the roads in the South West are getting safer but at a slower rate than the national average.
5.51 An increasing number of passengers are passing through the region’s airports with almost half as many again since 2003. The increase in use of the region's airports is reducing the travel to points of departure outside the region but this is countered by the environmental effects of increased air travel.
5.52 Despite annual fluctuations, the amount of freight being transported by road in the South West is increasing but this is no more than the England average.