Local Transport

Local transport has also been shown to be one of the Community's main concerns - on a whole range of issues from the special problems encountered in providing viable rural public transport to repair and maintenance of road surfaces.

The Community Action Teams, through the South Wiltshire Strategic Alliance, creates a diverse network to meet the challenge that cannot be solved by the actions of one organisation alone.

The four main issues are outlined below.

The Community Planning Action Teams have identified that cheaper and more reliable Public Transport is essential.

• Aims - To increase the numbers using public transport, particularly to and from school.
• Action - Pressure bus companies to reduce fares on priority and rural routes and identify catchment areas.
• How -
  • Through consultation with the bus companies.
  • Competition and local community participation.
  • Lobbying government for support and funds.

A successful outcome to the highway developments at Stonehenge was another important issue raised.

• Aims That whatever solution is arrived at by the (national) Highways Agency, it fully understands the requirements of local people.
• Actions - More comprehensive and local representation on this issue.
• How - As part of the planning process, the local community must be involved in the discussion and evaluation process.
• Who - Salisbury District Council, Wiltshire County Council, English Heritage and Highways Agency. (for links, see bottom of page.)

Improvements to many people's quality of life would be attained through the increased local provision of lanes and paths devoted to human powered travel. In addition to reducing traffic levels on the roads, there is of course the added benefits of improved health and fitness.

• Aims - The establishment of better cycle routes and footways bewteen communities and work places and schools.
• Actions - Improved integration between the planning process so that the provision becomes integral to any future developments.
• How - As part of the planning process, local area plans must include provision.
• Who - Salisbury District Council, Wiltshire County Council, Parishes and Highways Agency. (for links, see bottom of page.)

As the roads around the region become more congested, traffic seeks out alternate routes. Often this means unsuitable roads are used by through-traffic. Particularly where this traffic is heavy goods vehicles, life can become unpleasant.

• Aims - Prevent HGVs from using unsuitable routes through villages and force through traffic onto the main through-fares.
• Actions - Examination of choke points and problem areas for traffic congestion.
• How - Better use of the Area Committee process to force through issues and to lobby Wiltshire County Council Highways.
• Who - Area Committees, Salisbury District Council, Wiltshire County Council Highways, Parishes and Highways Agency. (for links, see bottom of page.)

The following links will provide useful information on a whole range of the issues concerned