Business as usual or Willing to Change? – Emerging trends – Where We Are Now
In the short term, if we continue Business As Usual, we are heading for increased congestion on the main routes and traffic gridlock in the town and village centres. However, as oil inevitably becomes less available and the price per barrel becomes more and more volatile, private personal transport, delivery costs on goods and imports will become increasingly expensive and fragmented; transportation as we know it is heading for a grinding halt. In a rural area like this, the impact of this could be even more dramatic than in urban settings, which have far better public transport provision.
People living in Totnes and close to the more vibrant villages may be better prepared with easy walking access, bicycles and access to public transport, however those living in the rural hinterland and less well served villages will not be so fortunate and are likely to become increasingly isolated unless real changes are made along the lines set out above, as soon as possible. The aging population in outlying villages will experience rapidly diminishing access to public transport, healthcare services and other people.
Businesses dependent on far-flung services, goods and distribution are likely to suffer rising costs and intermittent supplies. Goods with a short shelf life may not get to their destination in time. With over 30% of our food currently imported, the chances are we will experience severe shortages.
It is clear that there is very little in the way of good planning underway to prepare for the inevitable; a transport system that is not dependent on oil or other fossil fuels. For over 40 years, transportation has been at the mercy of top down privatised competing interests instead of the active provision of a comprehensive integrated service. The lack of forward strategic planning or strong leadership is leaving all sectors wide open to a major collapse of our transport services and network. Public apathy is best symbolised perhaps by our general unwillingness to cut back on car use, walk, cycle or use public transport.
Leave a comment
If you wish to comment on a particular paragraph
and quote the relevant number in your comment.