FEDERATION OF SMALL BUSINESSES
East Midlands
Transport Priorities
2006
Contents
Page
About the Federation of Small Businesses
2
Introduction
2
Road Network
3
Congestion Charging
6
Roadworks
7
Road Management and Safety
8
Parking
9
Business Friendly Environments
10
Public Transport:
11
Rail
11
Tram
14
Bus
15
Taxis/Private Hire
16
Air
16
Sea/Waterways
16
Reducing the need for Journeys
17
Conclusion
18
1
About the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
The FSB is the UK’s largest organisation representing the interests of small firms. It is
non-profit making and non-party political.
Nationally we have over 190,000 members, and here in the East Midlands, just over
15,000. The FSB has 3 sub-regions within the East Midlands: Leicestershire,
Northamptonshire & Rutland; Lincolnshire; and Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire. Our
members are spread across a wide range of business sectors.
At an East Midlands regional level our members hope that this document will help to
inform the review of the East Midlands Regional Plan, incorporating the Regional
Transport Strategy. At a more local level, our members and staff hope to put the small
business viewpoint forward in respect of local transport plans and other local transport
issues.
Introduction
Transport is of crucial importance for social and economic growth in the East Midlands,
and the UK as a whole. Most businesses are heavily dependent upon the transport
infrastructure and are especially vulnerable to any problems generated by its failings.
Weak transport links are a major barrier to business growth and can have a dramatic
impact on business competitiveness and productivity.
Within the East Midlands, 94.5% of all businesses are Micro Businesses with less than
10 employees (1). These small firms form the basis of our regional economy, providing
between them, 462,000 jobs (1). For many of these micro businesses, road transport is
the only available option. Owners rely on their vehicles for the daily running of their
business, for access to their customer base, and for delivering goods or services. Most
tend to trade within a 50 mile radius of their base, and so local road infrastructure is of
paramount importance.
If the East Midlands is to be seen as a viable and attractive place for businesses to
locate, the transport infrastructure must meet the needs of small businesses, and rival
that of other UK and European regions. At present is does not. When surveyed by the
FSB in 2004, almost half of our members in the region stated that the local road
network was unsatisfactory. An Institute of Chartered Accountants survey during 2004
(2) revealed that 41% of businesses surveyed felt that our region’s transport problems
were ‘somewhat worse’ or ‘much worse’ than one year ago. This was higher than in
any other UK Region.
This report adds a local perspective to the FSB’s national transport policy document
‘Better Transport 2005’ (shortly to be updated). It identifies the main areas of concern
for small businesses within the East Midlands, and outlines the FSB’s
recommendations to government, the Regional Assembly Transport Board, local
highway authorities and other key stakeholders.
Our member’s views that are expressed in this document were provided to us through
the FSB’s major survey ‘Lifting the Barriers to Growth in UK Small Businesses 2004,’
and through a request for more specific, and detailed feedback on transport issues
(1) SBS/DTI SME Statistics 2003 – Regional Datasets
(2) ICAEW Enterprise Survey 2004
2
during 2005. This report is not comprehensive. We have included issues where a
strong consensus of opinion from our members has been reported to us. Just because
a particular issue, or particular road or town is not mentioned, it does not necessarily
mean that there are no problems there. It simply means that none of our members in
that area chose to report the issues to us.
Unsurprisingly, business concerns revolve around the road network – inadequate
provision, road pricing, roadworks and lack of investment. Recognising that an
important element of reducing road congestion is in reducing road journeys, the report
also covers other key areas including public transport, reducing the need for journeys,
and the commercial use of air, rail, and sea.
The East Midlands appears to have particular transport problems in the county of
Lincolnshire. Many of our members in that county feel cut off from the rest of the UK
due to inadequate transport links. East – West links are particularly poor. A lack of
dual carriageways and the large volume of horticultural produce that is carried on the
roads creates frequent hold-ups, and slow moving traffic. Congestion clogs up many
towns that do not have by-passes.
Whilst the need for a fully integrated transport system is obvious, for the purpose of this
document, we will look at the various issues under separate headings. Integration
must remain a cross cutting theme however when considering any form of transport.
Good progress has already been made in some parts of the region. The Nottingham
‘Big Wheel’ initiative being an example of good practice.
It is hoped that this document will be helpful both to FSB active members campaigning
for better local transport in their area, and to external organisations and bodies, such
as local authorities, who may be seeking a better understanding of the needs and the
views of small businesses in respect of transport issues.
Road Network
Between 1993 and 2003 the East Midlands experienced an increase of 26% in road
traffic, the largest increase in any of the English regions. Statistics show that in our
region, cars are used to a greater extent than in other regions, and public transport is
used to a lesser extent. However, work and business related trips account for less
than 20% of all journeys (3).
Both the strategic road network (motorways and trunk roads) and local roads have
struggled to cope with this increase in traffic. Road building and improvement have not
kept up with the increased usage. Operation of substantial parts of the network are
unsatisfactory with widespread congestion extending over long periods.
The road network is crucial to meeting business needs. For most small and micro
businesses, road transport is their only viable option, their vehicle being an essential
‘tool of the trade’. Most small firms trade within 50 miles of their base, and the ability to
easily access their customers and arrange timely deliveries of goods and services is
absolutely vital.
(3) East Midlands Development Agency’s Regional Economic Strategy Evidence Base 2005.
3
Under investment in the road infrastructure at both national and local level is a
considerable concern for businesses, especially given the vast revenues generated by
motoring taxes. The existing road network within the East Midlands is simply not
adequate for the needs of small firms. The FSB’s major survey and report ‘Lifting the
Barriers to Growth in UK Small Businesses 2004’ revealed that within the East
Midlands:
•
46% of small businesses were dissatisfied with local road infrastructure and
state of repair.
•
33% of small businesses were dissatisfied with strategic road networks (trunk
roads and motorways).
The highest levels of dissatisfaction were in the counties of Derbyshire and
Lincolnshire. Businesses in rural areas in particular feel that poor road networks place
them at a competitive disadvantage.
East Midlands Development Agency’s Regional Economic Strategy Evidence Base
Summary 2005 acknowledges that the cost of congestion for the UK is in the region of
£15 - £20 billion per year.
The condition of our road network is also of concern to small businesses. A report by
the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) (4) outlines the problems local authorities have
managing roads, with 75% of roads, cycle paths and footpaths maintained by local
councils deteriorating in the year 2002-2003. Maintenance backlogs are common
within local authorities, with roughly three-quarters across the UK reporting an increase
in their backlogs over the last 12 months. According to the ICE report, local authorities
share a widespread view that the funding system for the maintenance of local roads
impedes them from proper development and stewardship of the infrastructure system.
The FSB is concerned that without massive investment into our region’s road
infrastructure and state of repair, the ‘Flourishing Region’ vision promoted by East
Midlands Development Agency will be impossible to achieve. Our members feel that
some of the excellent work being undertaken by key regional bodies and partnerships
on economic development will fail to have the desired positive impact, if business
viability and growth continues to be suppressed by poor transport links.
Road Network
FSB General Recommendations:
•
The FSB calls for a substantial increase in the current level of investment in the
road infrastructure to match the spending of our European competitors in
France and Germany. We feel that key East Midlands Regional bodies such as
emda, GOEM, and the Regional Assembly should lobby Government more
strongly for greater investment into our regional road network.
•
Local highway authorities should ringfence the funds they have available for
road maintenance and investment to prevent these funds being diverted to
other areas.
(4) Institution of Civil Engineers ‘Local Transport and Public Realm Survey 2003’
4
•
Highway authorities should move away from reactive ‘patch and mend’ work on
roads and implement planned maintenance. It is imperative that local
authorities clear their maintenance backlog.
•
More joined up working between local authorities, regional government, and the
national transport agencies.
Road Network
Local Priorities:
Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Rutland
•
The A43 between Northampton, Kettering and Stamford needs upgrading to a
dual-carriageway.
•
The Northampton ring-road between the Round Spinney roundabout and
Sixfields needs completing.
•
We have had reports of particular problems in access to Moulton Park in
Northampton. With planned future expansion of the park, improved access
roads are essential.
•
The A14 needs upgrading to a 3 lane motorway along its length from the M6 to
the M11. Longer slip roads are also needed to the parking areas to improve
safety.
•
A by-pass is needed for Flore and Weedon on the A45
•
Access roads to Kettering are already unable to cope well with traffic volumes.
With planned future housing development, improvement to these roads is
essential.
•
The condition of many roads within the county of Northamptonshire is
particularly bad. Urgent action is required to reverse damage caused by
maintenance neglect in years gone by.
•
The Leicester ring road is frequently congested. Our members feel the reason
is that there are too many islands. It would be helpful if future ring road
developments in other towns and cities could avoid islands and make use of
features such as bridges and tunnels, with slip roads on and off.
Lincolnshire
•
Dramatic improvements are needed to east-west links through the county.
•
Key roads need to be dualled: A15, A16, A17, A46, A52, A158, A1073
•
The M11 should be extended into Lincolnshire to the Humber Bridge.
5
•
•
The following ring roads and bypasses need completing or constructing:
o
The Lincoln ring road needs to be completed on both sides
o
A ring road is desperately needed to relieve congestion in Boston,
ideally connecting to the A1 at Peterborough
o
An east-west bypass is needed in Grantham to relieve town centre
congestion.
o
A bypass is needed to take summer coastal traffic around the town of
Skegness.
o
A bypass is needed for Stamford.
Solutions are needed to congestion within the town and city centres of: Lincoln,
Boston, and Grantham. Local businesses feel that the problems are
compounded by numerous sets of traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, as well as
level crossings in Lincoln and Boston.
Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire
•
Local businesses feel that a better link is required from Clifton to Nottingham
East Midlands Airport.
•
Improved access to the M1 is needed at Nottingham.
•
The A46 from Newark to the A606 should be dualled to allow it to become a
main artery to the M1.
Congestion Charging
The Transport Act 2000 contains legislation allowing local authorities to introduce road
user charging to tackle local congestion problems. The introduction of schemes in
London and Durham look set to be followed in other cities across the UK.
Currently, no urban area in the East Midlands imposes congestion charges.
Although congestion creates a serious problem for many businesses and there is a
clear need for action to be taken, the FSB is opposed to the current congestion
charging schemes. The main reasons being that the schemes do not differentiate
between essential and non-essential traffic. They apply an indiscriminate flat rate,
regardless as to the length of time spent in the charging zone, and this impacts
disproportionately on small businesses. In addition to this, there is a considerable
administrative burden for businesses in planning journeys and arranging for the
charges to be paid.
6
Congestion Charging
FSB General Recommendations:
•
Any charging zone must differentiate between essential and non-essential
traffic. This could be done through the use of a disc scheme, which clearly
identifies essential, exempt vehicles.
•
There must be a fair and reasonable way for businesses to pay the charges,
which does not place any unnecessary administrative burdens on those least
able to cope.
•
No further congestion charging schemes should be implemented until the
current administrative problems have been rectified.
•
The charging period should not apply for the whole day. It should apply only
during rush hour periods. This would allow businesses to reschedule deliveries
and collections within normal working hours to avoid the charge.
•
All revenue raised through congestion charging schemes should be used solely
to finance transport improvements.
•
Any city considering charging schemes should announce their intentions well in
advance to allow businesses to plan ahead for projected costs.
•
Local small businesses should be fully consulted at the planning stages of any
new schemes, and a full impact assessment undertaken to assess the full
costs.
Roadworks
Roadworks are all too common and can be hugely disruptive to businesses, reducing
access to the business premises, creating noise and often blocking roads completely.
The number of roadworks have increased dramatically in the last ten years following
the deregulation of telecommunication and other utilities, and are increasingly
becoming a major concern for business.
FSB General Recommendations:
•
The FSB supports the concept of lane rental contracts, allowing highway
authorities to impose a daily charge on roadwork undertakers for every day in
which they carry out street works. We feel that it could have a significant
impact on the duration of roadworks.
•
The FSB would like to see lane rental apply to anyone undertaking roadworks
not simply utility companies.
7
•
The FSB recommends that charges for lane rental should apply from the start
of the roadworks to minimise the disruption caused, and that the length of road
for which lane rental contracts apply should not be specified to avoid
companies exploiting any loopholes.
•
Road closures should be avoided at all costs. We believe that it is currently
cheaper for a contractor to apply to close a road than to apply to put up
temporary traffic lights. When considering such applications, local authorities
should carefully consider the economic impact on local businesses of a road
closure.
•
Highways authorities should attach conditions to any contract specifying the
way in which the road surface is to be replaced.
•
Local authorities should apply better inspection and enforcement methods with
regards to the quality of resurfacing following roadworks.
•
Revenue raised from lane rental should be used to compensate those
businesses affected by roadworks in line with that already paid by gas and
water companies.
•
Businesses should be provided with accurate information regarding proposed
roadworks. This should include the start date and duration of the works, and
any diversions that will need to be in place in the area to accommodate the
works.
Road Management and Safety
Improved road management and safety can assist with the smooth flowing of traffic.
Accidents, spillages and bad weather are sadly all too common an occurrence and can
have a dramatic impact on traffic flow. The increasing numbers of those driving without
licences or insurance, pose obvious threats to improved road safety and are a cost to
all other road users.
Road Management and Safety
FSB General Recommendations:
•
Closer collaboration between the DVLA and the motor insurance database
which should improve the detection of uninsured drivers.
•
Increased spot checks by the police for drivers without licences, insurance,
valid MOT certificates and road tax.
•
Highway authorities to have sufficient funds in their budget to cover the costs of
road gritting when it is urgently needed. The AA estimated that a salting run
can cost about £30,000 and we have concerns that sometimes cost cutting is
resulting in roads not being cleared of snow quickly enough.
8
•
A well publicised, easily accessible, fully integrated information service for
drivers available through a variety of mediums such as mobile phones and
wireless technology providing accurate real time information.
Parking
Access to parking is a key concern for many small businesses within the East
Midlands. Parking initiatives that are designed to encourage people not to use their
cars often impact disproportionately on small businesses as they are unable to provide
the alternative free parking offered by larger businesses.
The FSB is concerned that parking restrictions and price increases in town centres
where many small businesses are based, can encourage customers to use the large
out of town shopping developments which offer abundant free and adjacent parking,
leading to the demise of the economy and local shops and services in our small towns.
Parking policies can not only affect the number of customers that a small business
receives. They can also adversely effect the ability of small firms to make and receive
deliveries, and to attract suitable employees.
The FSB is opposed to the Workplace Parking Levy. We feel it has a detrimental
impact upon business, without having any significant effect on levels of congestion.
Although in theory, businesses have the choice of whether to absorb the cost or pass it
on to their employees, in reality, many small firms may fear losing staff if they pass the
charge on to them. In today’s competitive labour market, this would appear to be a
very reasonable fear.
Parking
FSB General Recommendations:
•
The promotion of a ‘timed disc’ system for delivery and service vehicles to
ensure access to service vehicles in areas with restricted parking.
•
Greater provision of parking near train stations and bus and tram routes to
encourage people to use public transport where possible.
•
The introduction of first half an hour free parking fees in town centres to
encourage shoppers to use local businesses.
•
The rejection of parking strategies that are designed purely to raise revenue.
•
A full impact assessment should be undertaken before the introduction of any
new parking strategies to assess the effect the proposals would have on local
businesses.
•
The rejection of the Workplace Parking Levy by local authorities.
•
Consideration of the access requirements of small businesses to their premises
in all restricted parking zones.
9
Parking.
Local Priorities
Lincolnshire
•
More public car parking is required in town centres. The following are
particularly in need of additional facilities:
Boston, Bourne, Grantham, Grimsby, Holbeach, Lincoln, Louth,
Mablethorpe, Ruskington, Skegness, Sleaford, Spalding, Stamford,
Sutton Bridge.
•
More park and ride schemes would be welcome in Lincoln, Boston, Louth, and
Grantham
Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire
•
More public car parking is required, particularly in the following town centres:
Bingham, Nottingham, Derby,
•
In the city of Nottingham, the whole city centre parking strategy requires a
review, with comprehensive consultation amongst local business owners, and a
full impact assessment on the implications of parking strategies to business
within the city.
Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Rutland
We received no feedback from FSB members in these counties on this issue
and so are unable to comment on any problems in this document.
Business Friendly Environments
At a local level, transport and planning are increasingly becoming intertwined.
Some local traffic calming measures, or town centre pedestrianisation schemes can
have a detrimental impact on small firms as customer and delivery access are
restricted. Larger businesses, or chain stores can often circumnavigate these
problems by arranging deliveries at night, but the additional cost of this is not one that
most small firms can easily absorb. Small businesses also don’t have the market
power to insist on deliveries at particular hours. Owners are often faced with a take it
or leave it attitude by suppliers.
Whilst traffic calming and pedestrianisation schemes have a positive impact on
reducing traffic accidents, and in enhancing the visual appearance of town centres, the
FSB feels that in many cases, local authorities fail to take into account the impact that
measure have on local businesses and the local economy.
10
Business Friendly Environments
FSB General Recommendations:
•
Local authorities should undertake full impact assessments before the
introduction of any highway improvement schemes that could restrict access to
businesses.
•
If measures are introduced, adequate alternative provision must be made for
vehicular access to businesses affected by their introduction and operation.
Business Friendly Environments
Local Priorities:
•
Our members report that access to small business premises is a serious
problem in parts of the following towns and cities:
Boston, Chesterfield, Lincoln, Nottingham.
We recommend a review of local policy in these areas.
Public Transport
Public transport is essential for many businesses for access to the labour market and
for access to customers.
However, the inadequacies of the infrastructure and the service can be, and often are a
considerable cost to industry. The provision of public transport in rural areas is often
poor and a significant constraint on business.
A fully integrated public transport system is needed where different modes of transport
are linked to provide seamless journeys for passengers in both urban and rural areas.
The FSB strongly supports initiatives aimed at moving non-essential car journeys onto
other forms of transport, thereby freeing up road space for those that do not have the
luxury of choice. We therefore strongly support the development of a highly effective,
integrated public transport system.
Rail
The FSB is in favour of the development of rail as a modern and viable means of
passenger transport.
In addition we also strongly encourage actions aimed at bringing about a modal shift in
the transportation of goods from road haulage to rail freight.
Rail transport has environmental benefits in addition to economic ones – it helps to
relieve traffic congestion, air pollution and the number of road accidents.
11
The problems with the rail industry have been widely publicised, and to date, the
government’s Ten Year Plan seems to have made little improvement.
Rail
Local Priorities:
•
The track capacity from Nottingham to Leicester is inadequate and timetabling
of trains at Nottingham station is difficult to plan because of the poor track layout
at Nottingham. In 2000 Railtrack gave a commitment to resignal and remodel
the area controlled by Trent Power Signal Box, and to remodel Trent Junction
“within the next 5 years”. None of this work has been done and we understand
that there are now no firm plans to do anything. Action is required.
•
The Peterborough to Nuneaton route needs to be cleared for 9'6" containers to
enable them to be carried by rail from Felixstowe to the West Midlands taking
lorries off the A14.
•
Freight lines need restoring between Kettering and Wellingborough and through
Knighton Tunnel into Leicester station, and the freight line between Leicester
and Syston Junction needs doubling. This would both increase capacity for
freight and make timetabling of passenger services simpler by removing freight
services from fast lines.
•
The current problem where loco hauled trains are banned between Boston and
Skegness due to the condition of the track, will also happen elsewhere in the
East Midlands if action is not taken. An improved track maintenance
programme is required right across the network.
•
Whilst appreciating the value of high speed rail links between major cities, if we
are to have an effective transport system giving a real alternative to car use, it is
important that trains still regularly stop at stations in suburban areas and market
towns such as Beeston, Market Harborough, Kettering, Oakham and Melton
Mowbray. Not all long distance rail services should be speeded up at the
expense of losing intermediate stops.
•
The FSB opposes the closure of rural stations. We feel that there is a very real
danger of this happening when franchises are next renewed, since the closure
procedure has been simplified by the Railways Act 2005.
•
Over the whole region there needs to be better integration between bus and rail
services. To bring this about it would be ideal if bus and rail operators were
allowed to co-operate over fares and services without falling foul of OFT
regulations. For example Lincoln could have an hourly connection to London
(via Newark) if rail tickets to London were also valid on bus services between
Lincoln and Newark.
•
Issues of overcrowding need to be addressed, with priority given to:
o
o
o
Peak hours between Lincoln and Nottingham.
Summer Saturdays from Nottingham to Skegness
Central Citylink services. Peterborough – Birmingham and Peterborough –
Grantham – Nottingham – Sheffield are both overcrowded at some times of
the day.
12
•
Many stations need improvements. Some examples are:
o
Newark Castle – A busy station with only a single bus shelter on each
platform as covered accommodation. There is also a need for ‘real time’
information display or public address.
o
Market Rasen – Similar comments as Newark except that the station is in
much worse physical condition.
o
Loughborough station is the fourth busiest station in the East Midlands with
93 Midland Mainline trains, plus some Central Trains calling every day (as at
July 2005). It has been neglected for years however and is no longer fit for
purpose.
The main problems at Loughborough station are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
An inadequate car park that is full before 8am yet is adjacent to acres of
disused railway land owned by Network Rail.
The short platforms that are only long enough for 4 HST coaches yet
around 30 Midland Main Line HST’s stop at Loughborough each day.
Lack of lift access to platforms and the continued use of the barrow
crossing when many trains pass through at 90mph.
The bus link to Nottingham East Midlands airport where facilities for
passengers with luggage is poor.
The use of a footbridge that is open to all weathers.
The ticket office that is too small forcing passengers to queue outside
even in bad weather
Lack of baby changing facilities and disabled toilets
All of the above points need addressing as a matter of urgency.
We are aware of the Charnwood Borough Council and Network Rail
proposals for an Eastern Gateway scheme that will at least double the car
park places and improve the bus and taxi interchange, but this will not
address any of the urgently needed improvements to the actual railway
station infrastructure.
New stations/routes
•
East Midlands Parkway – Outline planning permission was granted for this new
station between Derby and Loughborough in 2002, together with access roads,
highway improvements and a park and ride capacity for up to 1,000 cars. The
FSB is disappointed at the lack of progress and would like to see construction
commence as soon as possible.
•
Ilkeston – According to the SRA Midland Main Line Route Utilisation Study in
2003 this has already passed preliminary RPP funding assessment and passive
provision was being made in timetabling work. However, we understand that
RPP funding was stopped soon afterwards. The FSB would like to see progress
being made.
•
Robin Hood Airport station – Outline planning permission for this station, on the
Lincoln to Doncaster line, was granted following the Public Enquiry into the
airport proposal. However, we understand that the fragmented nature of the rail
industry, and problems with funding streams means that no progress has been
13
made. The FSB feels it is absolutely essential that this airport is served by a
regular rail service, and calls for interventions to ensure that progress is made
without further delay.
•
Corby – The experimental Kettering to Corby service that was withdrawn a few
years ago was not well marketed and fare evasion was reputed to be at high
levels. This contributed significantly to the poor financial performance. A new
experimental service must be worth a try.
Sunday services
We live in a 24-hour society with Sunday being one of the busiest retail trading
days. Railway services have failed to keep up with the changes in society.
Examples are:
•
Sleaford to Peterborough is still only open for a single 10-hour shift on Monday
to Saturday and no service at all on Sundays.
•
The Robin Hood line is closed on Sundays
Community Rail Partnerships
In other parts of the country CRP’s have been very successful in increasing usage
at off peak times and bringing more revenue into market towns from passengers
choosing to shop by rail. A Grantham to Skegness CRP (The Poacher Line) has
recently been launched and others (e.g. Matlock branch) are possible in the East
Midlands. The Government sees these as a way of making rural routes viable, and
the FSB supports the establishment of further CRPs within our region.
Tram
The East Midlands currently has a tram system operating in Nottingham. It connects
the city railway station with Hucknall and to near junction 26 of the M1 motorway, with
numerous stops in between.
The FSB supports the development of further tram systems in the region. We would
however wish to see more actions taken in future developments to minimise the
disruption to businesses along the route, during installation of the tram lines. During
development of the current Nottingham system, many small businesses were severely
affected as customers were not able to easily access their premises.
Trams
Local Priorities:
•
The development of the two additional tram lines in the Nottingham area,
currently under consideration by the City Council.
•
The consideration by other cities within the region of the benefits of installing a
tram system.
14
•
With future tram developments, a full impact assessment should be conducted
on the effect of installation works to small businesses along the route, and
adequate compensation agreed with the business owners.
•
The local business community should be consulted during the drawing up of the
detailed plans for any future tram routes.
Bus
Bus services provide an essential facility to many communities, particularly those in
rural areas. The FSB believes that many journeys undertaken by car could be avoided
if there were a better bus service. The FSB also believes that creative solutions should
be sought to enable a better service to be delivered more cost effectively.
Bus Lanes
The introduction of bus lanes can severely restrict access to businesses, with a
particular impact on those businesses who are often reliant on passing trade –
newsagents, local corner shops and off-licences. Bus lanes running alongside the high
street can create serious difficulties for businesses needing to unload and load goods,
and can deter customers from using these shops as they can no longer simply pull over
and ‘pop in’ for a pint of milk or a paper.
Although the FSB acknowledges that bus lanes can help reduce traffic congestion as
improved services are designed to encourage bus usage, businesses are not sold on
their effectiveness. Bus lanes, which are solely and permanently used for this purpose,
are frequently empty during off peak times in the week and at weekends. This road
capacity could be put to better use. During off peak times provision should at least be
made to enable businesses to receive deliveries.
Buses
FSB general recommendations:
•
Local authorities should work with local bus operators, not in competition with
them, to develop sustainable bus schemes.
•
Local authorities should provide school bus services to prevent the need for the
‘school run’.
•
Local authorities considering axing rural bus routes should seriously consider
the effect this will have on rural communities.
•
Funding for rural public transport initiatives such as the Rural Bus Subsidy
Grant scheme must be increased annually, at least in line with inflation.
•
New innovative examples of ways to improve bus services must be developed
by both national and local government, learning from initiatives that have
worked well in other countries
•
Closer integration with other forms of transport to facilitate seamless journeys.
15
Taxis/Private Hire
An important and highly flexible element of public transport that is often overlooked in
transport policy formulation.
Local FSB members believe that both taxis, and private hire vehicles should be allowed
to use bus lanes. Services from taxis and private hire vehicles help ease town and city
centre parking problems in the same way that buses do.
They are also an invaluable form of transport in rural areas where low passenger
numbers make bus services unviable.
Air
Air transport is becoming increasingly important to small businesses: for export;
import; business travel; as a boost to the local economy through increased tourism;
and through significant opportunities to bid for contracts in relation to the airline
industry.
Within this region, Nottingham East Midlands Airport is playing an increasingly
significant role, now handling 10% of the UK’s air freight. The development of the
Robin Hood Airport just to the north of the region will also open up new opportunities
and have substantial significance to our economy.
The FSB supports the expansion of air travel and air freight, but does of course
recognise that there are conflicts surrounding future expansion, particularly for the local
population and the environment. Any expansion must take into account these
concerns to minimise impact.
FSB General Recommendations:
•
Further expansion of air capacity within the region.
•
Any expansion should be matched with the corresponding increase in the
surrounding transport infrastructure including road links, and public transport.
•
Consideration should be given to ensure that new development has low
environmental impacts.
Sea/Waterways
The ports of Boston, and Grimsby (just outside the Region) are a valuable asset to the
East Midlands, in terms of the handling of commercial cargoes, and the creation of
local employment opportunities. Regional competitiveness is dependent on
international trade and there are valuable opportunities for the small business sector
from continued growth in this area.
However, we feel that to maximise the potential of our ports and waterways, and to
ensure long term sustainability, there is the need for a strengthening of the connecting
inland transport infrastructure.
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Sea/Waterways
FSB General Recommendations:
•
Continued growth and development of all ports and waterways within the East
Midlands, with both commercial and leisure use in mind.
•
Increased investment in the necessary inland transport infrastructure, linking
ports to their markets. This includes road and rail links, and inland waterways.
Reducing the need for journeys
In this report we have already outlined how we support initiatives aimed at moving nonessential road traffic onto other forms of transport.
The FSB believes that in addition, initiatives aimed at reducing the need for journeys
are well worth pursuing, in an effort to further reduce road congestion.
FSB General Recommendations:
•
Businesses and individuals should be encouraged to fully exploit the
opportunities available through the effective use of ICT for routine business and
social interactions.
•
‘Home working’ in business or industry should be encouraged where practical.
•
Regional and Local Plans should ensure an appropriate mix of land uses to
reduce the number and length of trips that need to be made.
•
The provision of suitable housing and local services should be promoted to
enable employees to live near to their place of work. For example, there is an
urgent need for affordable housing in rural areas to allow the agricultural and
horticultural industry to employ local people.
•
The further development of ‘clusters’ enabling businesses within the same
supply chain to be conveniently located together.
•
The use of public sector procurement to ensure that contracts for goods and
services are placed with local firms, thus reducing the need for long journeys
and at the same time benefiting the local economy. The East Midlands Centre
of Excellence for Procurement could be encouraged to play a role in this in
respect of the public sector.
•
The encouragement of supermarkets and large chain stores to stock more
locally produced goods.
•
The encouragement of other major industries such as the rail industry to use
suitable local companies for small contracts.
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Conclusion
The FSB strongly supports initiatives aimed at moving non-essential road traffic onto
other forms of transport.
In the case of freight, this could be onto rail, waterways, or air. In the case of domestic
journeys or travel to work, this could be onto an improved public transport system, and
the encouragement of cycling and walking with the provision of suitable routeways.
Improvements are needed however before this change in travel habits can realistically
be expected to come about.
The FSB also supports initiatives aimed at reducing the need for journeys, such as the
encouragement of ‘purchasing local’ by major retailers and the public sector.
However, even if all of the above actions and improvements are made, resulting is a
dramatic reduction in road traffic, there are areas of the East Midlands where road
infrastructure will remain inadequate for the needs of business, and massive
investment for improvement is needed. Our report highlights where some of the
priorities lie.
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