Rural Transport
Transport is vital for the quality of life and economic health of rural areas, yet it faces challenges such as infrequent public bus services and less Government funding compared to urban regions.
02 Oct 2023
Government’s new transport proposals divide opinions
The government’s announcement hailed as a “plan for motorists” has been met with mixed reviews. The “long-term plan to back drivers” details measures which include: Reviewing guidance on 20mph speed...
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02 Oct 2023
New tech to be trialled to boost local connectivity
The government has announced that it is piloting smart street lamps that can house EV charging hubs and boost wireless coverage, including 5G. Cambridgeshire and Oxfordshire County Councils are among six areas in...
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18 Sep 2023
Warning that government must act now to avoid cost-of-living suicide rise in rural communities
A new stark warning from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) reveals the true picture of mental health concerns in rural areas. Following a Roundtable event looking at...
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18 Sep 2023
RSN Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, explains how we can connect rural places
“Last week, I was invited to speak at the Westminster Energy, Environment and Transport Forum policy conference which was exploring the topic of Beyond ‘smart cities’ – next steps for...
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29 Aug 2023
Local Authorities called on to dramatically increase the number of EV public charging points to meet growing demand
A new study by Transport England and England’s Economic Heartland has found that there needs to be an almost six-fold increase in public electric vehicle charging points by 2025, in...
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29 Aug 2023
Calls on government to stop rural drivers being charged more for fuel as prices hit highest level for six months
It’s been reported this month that supermarkets are overcharging customers in rural areas for fuel, as petrol prices reach their highest level for six months. According to the AA, the...
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14 Aug 2023
Conference Spotlight: Focus on Rural Transport
It is vital that rural communities can access employment, training, education and services such as medical appointments. A lack of public transport options can make this more difficult. We’ve seen...
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14 Aug 2023
Urban Councils budget to spend double that of rural on discretionary services
Research, completed by the Rural Services Network has shown that Urban Councils budget to spend double that of rural councils on discretionary services per head for the year 2023 –...
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14 Aug 2023
Figures show reduction in bus routes
Newspapers have reported last week of the reduction in bus routes over the last year as official figures are published by the Department for Transport. The BBC reports that ‘the...
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07 Aug 2023
Post Offices and pharmacies top of local services
The Association of Convenience Stores, one of our Rural Services Partnership members, last week launched their 2023 Community Barometer. This explores how people value the services in their local area,...
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