Where households have a single car, public transport has a significant role for women who use buses twice as often as men to undertake multiple purpose journeys such as shopping and leisure. Also, women are more likely to walk, more so than cycle, as a form of travel. When the car is used, the type of journey tends to vary from that of men, women being more likely to use car for taking children to school. These travel patterns indicate where the prioities lie for women's transport. These policies conform with the County Council's approach and are implicit within the policy initiatives included in the local transport plan.
Personal security is a principal concern and can be addressed in a variety of ways.
Public transport will be improved for women with more emphasis on vehicles and at stations and stops. Also, street lighting will be improved and the design of urban spaces is focusing on crime and disorder aspects. Improving the quality of services will be important both in terms of perceived personal security and also for improving women's access to employment and other facilities. Restraint based car parking strategy and standards will be introduced by January 2001. Multi-purpose bus services will be introduced at a rate of not less than one per year from January 2000.