Transport in the DalesTransport, the means we choose to travel to, from or within the Dales, has a major impact on the natural and the man-made environment. Use of motorised vehicles has a range of adverse effects including visual blight and urbanisation caused by parked or moving vehicles, traffic noise, air pollution, risk of accident and injury to humans and wildlife, and congestion. Private cars have the greatest impact, especially as around 93% of all journeys to and within the Dales are by car or are based on using the car. This is most significant in remoter areas, and at peak times, for example Sundays and main holiday periods. The YDS understands the need to manage traffic, especially at peak times, by reducing village centre parking, making full use of well sited car parks and regulating the speed and volume of traffic on narrow Dales roads to make them safe for all to use. Fees generated by car parks are used to maintain the Dales and car users are encouraged to view the charges in that context. Public transport has a lesser impact because several people share a single vehicle train or bus - this is far less than if they had used individual cars, hence whilst the car is by far the most flexible and convenient way of reaching the Dales, support of public transport is essential. All YDS visits and events are planned to be fully accessible by bus and train, and make good use of the Dales Bus network. The Society helped to establish and actively supports the work of the Yorkshire Dales Public Transport Group (www.dalesbus.org.uk) campaigning for accessible, affordable public transport in the Dales and the Yorkshire Dales Sustainable Travel Partnership to ensure that there is real choice and opportunity for visitors and for the local community to reach and enjoy the Dales. The Society supports all measures to encourage walking and cycling, including safe off-road routes and longer distance trails, and car-sharing initiatives. What do we do? |
