Public Servant Lifestyle

More of us worry about transport problems, than for any other single issue affecting the places we live.

Road congestion, toll charges, punctuality of public transport services and higher priorities for cyclists and pedestrians are just some of our concerns.

The findings are unearthed in Public Attitudes to Transport, a cross-survey investigation by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Roads

Congestion is seen as a serious problem, both locally and nationally, with town and major road/motorway congestion being nominated among the top transport issues to address. However, people tend not to blame anyone for it, and are sceptical that much can really be done to improve the situation.

The public wants to see more spent on maintaining and enhancing the road system, though not necessarily expanding it. However, it is particularly supportive of policies to expand and improve public transport - indicating that people see public transport as a major part of the solution to road-related problems. Half the population says it would travel less by car, if local bus services were better, and one in three would do so if local train services were better.

People are prepared to pay congestion charges, if there is a commitment, to spend the revenue raised, on improving public transport. Over half (54%) support congestion charging with this commitment (30% opposed). Seven out of 10 of people who drive into congested major town or city centres are prepared to pay a charge. Of these, 30% are prepared to pay £5 or more.

Around half (52%) support tolls on congested parts of motorways, if they are offset by an abolition of vehicle excise duty, or a cut in the price of petrol, or if the charges are channelled back into investment in public transport and roads (25% opposed).

Public Transport

Expectations for improvements to public transport services, over the next ten years, are high, although the public is realistic in recognising that changes will take several years to be delivered, and some will take longer than others.

Public transport concerns particularly relate to punctuality and reliability, and frequency of service. Fewer than half the population think that the frequency (46%) and reliability (45%) of local buses is good, and only a third (35%) think bus timetable information is good.

However, frequent users of services are more satisfied than infrequent, or non-users, perceive them to be. Bus passenger surveys show an overall satisfaction level of 79%. For rail passengers (measured on a different basis) the figure is 69% - down from 76% last year.

The majority of people are prepared to pay more for services if they are made easy to use for everyone, including the disabled and elderly.

Walking And Cycling

Two-thirds of people think that pedestrians and cyclists should be given priority in towns and cities, even if this makes things difficult for other road users. Only one in seven disagree.

Two-thirds of people can identify issues that would encourage them to walk more. Repairing cracked pavements, safer walking routes to shops and other local facilities, and better lighting, are the top issues.

Half the population can identify issues that would encourage them to cycle more. Better/safer and more cycle routes, better facilities for parking bicycles and more considerate driver attitudes are the factors most likely to encourage more cycling.

There is a lot of support for traffic calming measures in residential areas, with 68% in favour and 19% against.

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