Over-reliance on cars and a decline in rural bus services in Britain’s National Parks means drastic change is needed
The Campaign for National Parks (CNP) has underscored an urgent need for transportation reform across the UK’s national parks.
The calls follow recent investigations that highlight a decline in rural bus provision and over-reliance on cars. That has resulted in up to 93% of national park visitors utilising the latter, according to CNP, which says such high car use threatens the environment – as evidenced by visitors to the Yorkshire Dales, who account for about 25% of the total annual greenhouse gas emissions for the National Park.
Among CNP’s primary recommendations is statutory involvement of National Park Authorities (NPAs) in consulting on Local Transport Plans and Bus Service Improvement Plans. Another cornerstone of the proposal is a “universal basic right” to public transport. It proposes replacing the current deregulated system with a franchising model, with guaranteed service frequency standards, enshrined in law and backed by funding.
It says funding should also be provided for a “Smarter Travel National Park” pilot, to test new types of on-demand app-based shared services, and the use of travel demand management measures. That would include the development of travel hubs within parks, offering car-free access to locations nearby, with an evaluation of the pilot informing funding priorities.
In its response to the government’s consultation on the Julian Glover landscapes review on national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty, CNP also calls for new powers to make it easier for NPAs to introduce road pricing, or other demand management measures, such as selective road closures.
“If we’re going to ensure that everyone has a chance to visit National Parks without destroying the very features that make these places so valuable for both wildlife and people, then it’s essential that we improve the options for car-free access,” says Ruth Bradshaw, CNP Policy and Research Manager. “That means providing more options – increasing the availability and frequency of public transport and increasing the facilities available for walking and cycling – as well as improving the options that already exist – ensuring they are more affordable, better integrated, more reliable, and easier to use.”
