5.1.1 Outside of the South West's main cities and towns, the region is characterised by a dispersed pattern of settlement and a relatively low population density. Transport and the relative ease of movement within the region are therefore major issues which influence the social, environmental and economic life of the region.
5.1.2 The South West region is one of the most travel intensive regions in the country with an average person travelling almost 7,700 miles in 2008/09. Trip rates and total distance travelled are both around 10% higher than the English average (DfT, Regional Transport Statistics, Table NTW9903).
5.1.3 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 region's dispersed population and settlement pattern. Car dependency is exacerbated by poor
access to public transport outside the major urban centres.
5.1.4 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. 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.
5.1.5 The proportion of household expenditure spent on motoring in the South West is above the national average. Household expenditure overall has increased in the South West and England, but the amount spent on travel has
fluctuated only marginally.
5.1.6 The environmental impact of this dependency on the private motor car is demonstrated by the South West's per capita emissions from road transport, which are above the national figures.
5.1.7 Levels of walking and cycling to work are above the English average. In comparison to other regions, bus availability and passenger numbers are low, although availability has been rising.
5.1.8 Rail travel in the region has increased by over 70% since 1995/6. Approaching two-thirds of South West rail travel is within the region, with London and the South East being the most important destinations outside the region.
5.1.9 Air travel from the region has grown at a faster rate than the English average. However, the most recent year's data shows a decrease in air travel in the region, following 12 years of increase. The same has been observed for England.
