CIHT welcomes publication of a Future of Transport: Rural Strategy to outline how developments in transport can be harnessed in rural communities. Rural communities face transport and mobility issues including poor access to jobs, education, and services; social isolation and loneliness; and car dependent new developments. and rising carbon emissions. These issues cause rural communities to have a higher dependence on the private car adding to rising carbon emissions.  If 2050 net zero carbon targets are to be achieved, the government must encourage innovation and behaviours that helps communities rely less on private cars whilst tackling access to services.

The response provides evidence on key issues that rural communities face, including:

• Dependence on the private car  
• Access to key services
• Access to employment
• Social isolation

CIHT would argue that the government can encourage the private sector by providing certainty for the sector on key projects, programmes and funding.

CIHT calls for the government to develop a national transport strategy that sets out a clear vision and strategy that sets out how transport will contribute to key policy areas.

The government should also continue to support a sustainable and healthy transport network. CIHT calls for the government to invest in the development of sustainable and active travel by;

• Supporting the development of improved capability across the sector. This requires resource to develop guidance and training rather than just infrastructure. To enable this, the government must provide certainty and revenue funding over a long time period.
• confirming its bus strategy and funding package.

Read the full response here.