Rail, bus and air services need co-ordination, to optimise convenience for the public. It appears that corresponding and widespread warnings from both experts and the general public about similar effects arising from rail privatisation have gone unheeded by the Government. In the carriage of freight, the continuing drift to the roads and away from the far more environmentally sensible use of rail is alarming. Yet there is a legislative and investment bias which continues to favour road use. We often feel that global environmental issues are so big that we can make little difference.
Transport is the exception.
A generation ago, most of us shopped locally and walked to school or work, or went by bus. We can all ask ourselves whether our car journeys are really necessary. If we wish to have towns and cities worth living in, the future lies in a return to walking, cycling and public transport for most local journeys. The convenience of the car is beguilling. We have got used to a pace of life which relies on it, but it is exacting a terrible price on life, limb and our environment.