5 Transport and Communication

Issues and Priorities

  • Car use and ownership in the South West is relatively high, while use of public transport is low. This is partly a reflection of the large distances between the major centres of the region and its dispersed population and settlement pattern. Car dependency is exacerbated by poor access to public transport outside major connurbations, while a larger proportion of households with no access to private transport are found within cities.
  • The continuing rise in car ownership is creating pressure and congestion on the network in the main urban centres especially in the north of the region, while the increase in population and visitors is putting pressure on the main transport routes especially to the south west and south east of the region. The impact of this growth on the region’s environment is giving some cause for concern.
  • The South West has the second highest spending on motoring as a proportion of overall household expenditure, reflecting the dependence of many in the region on private transport.
  • Levels of walking and cycling to work are the highest in the country.
  • In comparison to other regions, bus availability and passenger numbers are low. Although availability has been rising, passenger numbers continue to fall.
  • The volume of sea freight has risen at a faster rate than for the country as a whole, while air travel has grown in line with national growth.
  • The rural nature of the region poses a challenge to providing a public transport system that can be used by a largely scattered population.
  • Use of the region’s railways is increasing year on year, however the network can be vulnerable to disruptions which can cause significant delays.
  • The urban character of the northern part of the South West creates significant issues with congestion but also opportunities to encourage more public transport use.