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Being unable to afford transport can limit everyday life. Job, training and education opportunities are more limited and there is less choice in shopping, adding to the family budgets of those least able to bear the cost. An expanded road network has helped people travel further and faster than before. But it has also led to jobs, shops and essential facilities moving out-of-town, reducing the vitality and diversity of local facilities and hitting the less mobile and those on low incomes. Road traffic has affected some people more than others, the poorest and most vulnerable in society often suffer more than most. Busy roads in towns have cut communities in half and heavy traffic can be a barrier to community life. Road noise contributes to stress and disturbs sleep: those living closest to busy roads bear the brunt. Some of our town centres have been ruined by major roads, putting people in second place to the car. Increased traffic and speed have spoilt streets. Fear of traffic adds to the isolation sometimes faced by older people. Public transport is not available to everyone, and where it exists is not always accessible to disabled people. Although recorded crime levels on public transport are low, concern for personal security is a significant deterrent to travel, particularly for older people, women and ethnic minorities. The New Deal for transport therefore sets the framework to:
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