 |
What have we discovered about this theme? |
General Findings
The delivery of quality transport and infrastructure often lies outside the control of a small town, so co-operation with other towns and cities regarding political lobbying and finding funding solutions can be beneficial (see ‘Networks and Connections’ and ‘Partnership’ components).
The EU Structural Funds and INTERREG strand ‘A’ and ‘B’ programmes have been very important in the past to delivering infrastructure solutions in the past, but competition for such funding will increase in the years ahead.
Public sector agencies can work with the private sector to deliver successful infrastructure solutions using instruments such as ‘masterplans’, ‘development briefs’ and ‘land assembly powers’ (see ‘Long Term Planning’ component). The aim should be to ensure that people are able to travel easily to and from developments whether they are driving, using public transport, walking or cycling.
A number of ‘sustainable transport’ innovations have been tried and tested in recent years. Technological advancements made by car manufacturers such as low-emissions and hybrid cars are helpful in reducing emissions. However, they do not tackle the majority of problems associated with car ownership. Planners and other local practitioners will find more success in solutions that work to change people’s behaviour (see ‘Healthy Living and Community Well-Being’ component). The voluntary sector has a positive role to play and there are now many examples of successful rural community transport schemes across Europe.
Essential Aspects
the detrimental environmental consequences (see ‘Environmental Quality’ component), there remains a need for towns to be physically connected to the wider region. Small towns invariably rely on other towns, nearby cities and their hinterland for employment, services, business, food and social interaction (see ‘Jobs and Employment’, ‘Community Safety and Facilities’, and ‘Networks and Connections’ components). Small town centres, in particular, need to provide excellent access opportunities, including easy car parking (see ‘Town Centre Management’ and ‘Tourism’ components).
The most difficult obstacle to overcome has been finding a solution that people will favour over the freedom and independence afforded by the private car (see ‘Equal Opportunity and Inclusion’ component). Simply employing methods that discourage car use is not enough. There must also be practical alternatives in place for people to use. This can be done through strengthening local and regional public transport programmes, changing street design or encouraging local walk-to-work initiatives (see ‘Town Centre Management’ and ‘Built Heritage’ components).
|
