Relationships between transport and the rural economies

Abstract

This review was commissioned by the Countryside Agency to explore the impact of the transport sector, including transport provision, on rural economies in England. The research, by Derek Halden Consultancy in association with the Employment Research Institute, Napier University, sought to: collate what is known from existing recent literature about the main links between transport and rural economies and the transport needs of rural businesses, and; validate the relationships through survey work to explain the ways in which transport can most effectively benefit rural economies. It found that relationships between transport and rural economies are defined by accessibility and by the capacity and skills of people and businesses. Key factors influencing these relationships are: - Infrastructure, people and knowledge networks - Quality and reliability of service provision - Skills and training Culture and expectations - Legislation, administration and taxation. Whilst efficiency in urban areas can more often benefit from economies of scale, in rural areas there are relatively greater benefits from widening the scope of service delivery. However this requires better joint working between firms, organisations and public agencies than has been common practice in the past.