Authors

Juliet Solomon

Document Type

Working Paper

Publication Date

2004

Subject Area

Location - UK, Social Issues - Social exclusion, Social Issues - social inclusion, Transport accessibility - Access to services, Transport accessibility - Lack of access, Transport planning - Accessibility planning, Transport policy - Social disadvantage

Abstract

This paper makes a case for the development of benchmarks in accessibility planning for the guidance of policy formulation and implementation. It is based upon work carried out during the scoping phase of a major collaborative four-year project, funded by the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council). University College, London, the University of Loughborough, Hertfordshire County Council and Camden Council (local authorities with access responsibilities) and one charity dealing with visually impaired people (RNIB) have been involved in this stage of the project, which is extremely broad in its scope, covering issues from detailed engineering technicalities to strategic policy. Accessibility planning, in the UK, arose from the realisation that developments in transport, and particularly in private motorised transport, had had considerable impacts on accessibility - the ease with which people can reach their "needed' or desired destinations. Accessibility planning is a process that aims to help people from disadvantaged groups or areas access jobs and what are referred to as essential services. 'Making the connections' 2003, Social Exclusion Unit emphasised that accessibility is not just about transport and can be influenced by decisions on the location, design and delivery of other services and by people's perceptions of personal safety. According to the SEU, accessibility planning is needed to make sure the access needs of excluded groups, particularly people on low incomes, people without access to a car, the elderly, disabled and young are met. Accessibility planning will among other things make it easier for people to get to work, help to reduce health inequalities and help to increase participation and attainment in education. However, all planning, whether at a local or national level will need to be assessed for suitablity. This report focuses on providing some outline benchmarks for guidance for those responsible for policy formulation and/or implementation.