Public Attitudes to Transport DfT s On-line Citizens Panel. A report for: Department for Transport. GfK NOP

Transcription

1 Public Attitudes to Transport DfT s On-line Citizens Panel A report for: Department for Transport Provided by: GfK Consumer Services Date: June 2008 Your contact: David Rodgers Phone: +44 (0) , Fax: +44 (0) david.rodgers@gfk.com

2 Table of Contents 1 Executive summary Introduction Background Research Aims and Objectives Research Methodology Panel Profile Transport Needs The most important things required of a transport system How DfT s five strategic goals align with transport needs Challenges for transport policy makers Climate Change Summary Key challenges to achieve this goal Competitiveness and productivity Summary Key challenges to achieve this goal Equality Summary Key challenges to achieve this goal Health, safety & security Summary Key challenges to achieve this goal Quality of life Summary Key challenges to achieve this goal Policies themes that transcend different goals Travel Behaviour Travel method used in last 12 months Frequency of travel

3 7.3 Purpose of most frequent journey Main method of travel on most frequent journey Most important need when making most frequent journey Appendices Profile of the panellists who answered each questionnaire section Questionnaire Analytical methodology and sampling Panel Recruitment Maximising Panel Participation At Future Waves

4 1 Executive summary The Department for Transport (DfT) currently undertakes a range of research to understand public attitudes to and perceptions of transport and transport policy. To complement the existing evidence base, DfT commissioned GfK NOP to establish the DfT On-line Citizens Panel to seek feedback from members of the public specifically on the Department s five strategic goals, published in a policy document Towards a Sustainable Transport System 1 : To address climate change by cutting emissions of carbon dioxide and other green house gasses To maximise the competitiveness and productivity of the UK economy To promote greater equality of transport opportunity for all citizens, with the desired outcome of achieving a fairer society To contribute to better health and life-expectancy through reducing the risk of death, injury or illness arising from transport and promoting travel modes that are beneficial to health To improve quality of life for transport users and non-users, including through a healthy natural environment with the desired outcome of an improved well-being for all invitations were sent out to a random selection of GfK NOP online panel members, from which a total of 606 members were recruited to become part of the Citizens Panel. Recruitment quotas were set on age, gender, region and urban/rural location to ensure that the panel reflected the population of England and Wales as far as possible. It is important to note that the panel is not representative of the population (of England and Wales) in a statistical sense and it is acknowledged that the research is restricted by its methodology and as a result is biased towards on-line panel members. However, in order to create a sample that best reflects the population of England and Wales, the sample was designed around key quotas set on the following demographics: Region, Age, Gender and Urban vs. Rural. 1 Towards a Sustainable Transport System: Supporting Economic Growth in a Low Carbon World, available on DfT website at DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 1

5 One of the key roles of the panel will be to act as an important balance to the views expressed by experts as part of the wider stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, as most of the survey questions were asked in an open-ended format, it has enabled panel members to write in their own words the issues they consider most important without the confines of pre-coded responses. The panel members were asked specifically to describe what they thought the most important things were which they wanted the transport system to do for them. Reassuringly although panel members were not asked explicitly to reflect on whether the 5 goals were the right ones, the feedback does not suggest that the DfT s Towards a Sustainable Transport System strategy has missed anything that is uppermost in peoples minds. The things panellists most wanted from transport are set out in the figure below. Figure 1: Hierarchy of transport needs Comfort & cleanliness Fast Safe Affordable / cheaper Convenient & easily accessible Reliable, regular & timely This illustrates a hierarchy of transport needs represented as a pyramid consisting of six different levels (a design based on Maslow s hierarchy of human needs proposed in his 1943 paper A Theory of Human Motivation). The most basic need is shown at the bottom of the pyramid - a reliable, regular and timely transport system. The higher needs in the pyramid only come into focus when the lower needs are satisfied, so that once an individual has moved upwards to the next level, needs in the lower level will no longer be prioritised. However, if a lower set of needs is no longer being met, the individual will reprioritise these needs by focusing attention again on the unfulfilled level. DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 2

6 So, the most basic need expressed was that transport must be reliable, regular and timely. Panellists want public transport services to arrive punctually and predictably and to deliver them to their destinations with fewer delays. Private vehicle users also wanted minimised delays. Convenient and accessible public transport was next most frequently mentioned, meaning having bus stops and train stations within easy walking distance from people s homes and from work places and shopping and leisure facilities, as well as the assurance that transport modes would be easily accessible for groups such as elderly travellers, people with a disability and parents travelling with babies and children. Many panel members said they thought public transport was too expensive at present, and needed to be cheaper and more affordable. They compared public transport provision to car travel and expressed the view that public transport definitely should be cheaper than making the same journey by car. Safe travel was the next issue, and this theme covered safety from other travellers who might be violent, criminals or terrorists; assured safety from accidents when on public transport, and ensuring that road travel is as safe as possible through more appropriate, usually tighter, regulations on speeding and dangerous driving. Fast, efficient and well integrated transport, with more direct bus and train routes was the next level of desire. Finally, at the highest level panel members wanted transport that was comfortable and clean. Comfort was predominantly seen in terms of having a seat but also in terms of not standing in very packed carriages and buses. Ideally, panellists wanted to enjoy a pleasant stress-free journey in a clean and comfortable environment, without over-crowding. This would help satisfy and retain current public transport travellers and some car driving panellists also said this would help attract them out of their cars. Broadly speaking the goals that the Department has identified are aligned with these needs. Perhaps the most challenging link to make between the goals and consumer needs is in the area of Climate Change. When we asked individuals about their transport needs, climate change came low on their list of priorities (one in ten mentioning spontaneously). However, it should be borne in mind that the question asked of panel members was about their transport needs, and therefore perhaps this finding is not surprising. Indeed, it could be argued that it is encouraging that as many as one in ten mentioned the issue of climate change when considering their needs of a transport system. It is apparent, though, from these responses that many will only start to think about whether the transport they use is environmentally friendly once their primary needs of a transport system (as described above) are met. DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 3

7 Improved public transport was a policy challenge that came up in relation to all five goals. Panel members perceived that better provision of bus, rail and other public transport services would help achieve each of the goals in turn and was clearly identified as a key requirement. It was the only theme that transcended all the goals defined by the Department. However, other policy initiatives were identified that addressed specific issues across more than one goal. For example, improved use of the road system was suggested as a policy initiative, in one shape or another, across all goals except the Equality goal. Policy initiatives to improve the safety of transport users applied to the Health, Safety and Security goal (not unexpectedly), but also to the Competitiveness and Productivity goal. Development of green technology and the encouragement of its use featured in responses to both the Quality of Life and Climate Change goals, whilst improved facilities for cyclists and walkers were themes common to both the Quality of Life and Health, Safety and Security goals. So, whilst this research has identified policy challenges underlying each specific goal, it has also highlighted actions that could be adopted to achieve all or some of the goals in combination. Looking at the challenges panellists spontaneously mentioned in relation to each goal, some clear themes emerged. With regards to Climate Change, our panellists most often felt that the answer lies in encouraging the use of greener vehicles and fuels, and in particular increased investment in the research and development of greener technology. Many felt that encouragement should be in the form of rewards and tax incentives, such as tax breaks for companies to use greener vehicles, or a reduced road tax charge for drivers of greener vehicles. Some felt that Government could go further and enforce good practice in certain areas - such as the regulation of higher standards of fuel efficiency and/or low emissions, and insisting that transport companies use hybrid vehicles - or at least bring pressure to bear on key groups to develop this type of greener technology. Making public transport a viable alternative to travelling by car came through as an important theme in many panellist responses. By improving public transport provision, it was considered that people would be encouraged to choose it over car travel, which in turn could have a significant impact on the reduction of emissions. Discouraging private and business motoring was another approach mentioned by some. Examples of how this might be done included: the banning or penalising of big cars or old cars, increasing parking charges, keeping cars out of towns and introducing more park and ride schemes, encouraging less use of cars for the school run, and encouraging car sharing schemes. A minority of panellists thought that DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 4

8 air travel should be discouraged, either by providing affordable alternatives, such as rail, for some journeys, or by increasing taxes on air flights or air fuel. Many view using the carrot rather than the stick approach to reduce emissions as a more effective solution. However, there was a minority of people who would like to see individuals and/or businesses penalised for wasteful or excessive private travel. The provision of reliable information on emissions emerged as a theme specific to making it easier for people to make environmentally-friendly choices. This might involve detailing the carbon emissions associated with different transport modes, by way of example, or a more general educational campaign to raise awareness of the climate change issue. Government pressure to enforce maximum carbon emissions was the one other aspect mentioned by some panellists when responding to the issue of how to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. Turning next to the Competitiveness and Productivity goal, panellists identified public transport improvements ahead of road improvements as the way to advance this objective. Making rail cheaper with fewer delays for passengers, and less overcrowded at peak times, were the main suggestions, together with the idea of making rail more central to the movement of products around the country. With regard to bus transport, the issue most frequently mentioned was the regularity and frequency of services, especially at peak times and in rural districts. However, road improvements were also important to panellists, and the recommendation which recurred with insistence throughout responses was to reduce congestion and ease traffic flow. Some thought the way to combat congestion was to reduce the number of cars on the road, whilst others focussed on the need to increase the capacity of the road network, particularly motorways and primary roads. In relation to airport and seaport access, the main issue raised was for access by road to be reliable, as public transport was thought impractical for many (e.g. those travelling with children, or with a lot of luggage, or travellers with a disability). Specific suggestions included creating dedicated lanes for airport traffic, allowing airport traffic to use motorway hard shoulders if necessary, and always scheduling road works carefully, in particular to avoid school holidays. Continuing this theme of reliable and speedy travel, faster movement through airports by better resourcing and streamlining of security processes was identified as an area that most panellists wanted to see improved. DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 5

9 Some panellists commented on the need to improve airport facilities outside of the London airports, and transport links to these regional airports. On the other hand, a small minority wanted to see better use of the airports which serve London, typically commenting that policymakers should look at alternatives to Heathrow. Safety was a top-of-mind concern for panellists when considering the needs of international travellers. Reassurance was required that travelling would be safe, along with a sense that everything possible was being done to effectively minimise the risk of terrorism. Reducing road haulage was the main suggestion made with regard to freight transport, as well as improving the reliability and affordability of distribution through more use of rail, delivery at night and organising transport on the basis of rail hubs, using road transport only for short distances. Equality of opportunity for our panellists meant removing specific barriers to use, by ensuring everyone can afford to travel by public transport and everyone can easily use public transport, recognising the specific needs of the disabled and the elderly. Cheaper public transport was mentioned by many, for both bus and rail. Some went further and suggested that public transport needs to be free or heavily discounted for certain groups, such as those with a disability and the elderly. Aside from cost, it was recognised that the other main barrier to use for certain people - the elderly, mothers with pushchairs and those with a disability - was the problem of accessing the public transport system. It was felt necessary to make it easier to get onboard public transport vehicles and access stations, via use of low-floor buses, more open-plan decks, and ramps or lifts at stations. However, panellists felt that equality of opportunity also means having a public transport option that is a realistic alternative to the car for all types of journey, and this was seen to require investment in public transport services to ensure that there are better public transport options that is better public transport links and better integration of services, and better public transport connections between local communities in rural areas. DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 6

10 When thinking about how to reduce the numbers of those killed or injured in transport accidents in the Health, Safety and Security goal, panellists focused very much on road safety. Panellist felt that DfT should therefore aim to improve current road layouts, taking into account traffic volumes. Suggestions in this area included: measures to slow traffic down, safer road design, clearer road signs, more pedestrian crossings, more use of purpose built cycle lanes, better diagnosis of local causes of accidents and the introduction of appropriate preventative measures, and the use of more speed cameras. Many also felt that driving skills in general need to be improved through better education, stricter driving tests and the introduction of repeat driving tests, particularly for those who offend on the roads. Stricter speed controls, particularly in built-up areas was another theme that recurred with some regularity. There was a small minority who advocated a zero tolerance approach towards offenders, with drink driving being seen as a particular area for tougher penalties. Some felt the answer is to get people off the road and onto public transport. However, proponents of public transport recognise that to encourage use, public transport needs to improve its services and reduce its cost so that it is a realistic alternative to private car usage. When thinking about how to ensure people can travel in safety and be protected from crime and terrorists, some wanted to see policies put in place that increased levels of security by putting more transport police on transport routes. Many felt that a high level of visible security and policing would deter crime. A minority felt that increased level of surveillance would help and a few suggested a policy that included enhanced and more targeted checks on potential suspects. Finally when considering improving health and life expectancy through healthier forms of transport such as walking or cycling, many spontaneously mentioned a need for more and safer cycle and foot paths that were pleasant to use. By keeping cyclists away from busy sections of the road, people would be encouraged to cycle more, and this would also enhance the safety of cyclists on the road. Panellists also recommended better lighting and path maintenance, and policies that promote and educate young people to use healthier forms of transport such as cycling. DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 7

11 Finally, with regards to the Quality of Life goal, the consensus was again to strengthen the UK public transport system infrastructure and assist it in becoming more environmentally friendly, since this would achieve the double-objective of reducing the number of private journeys and their multiple emissions, and introduce low-impact technology most quickly into England and Wales. Through their emphasis on public transport, panellists are expecting Government to take a lead in becoming environmentally friendly, but they do not just focus on public transport. The road network was the subject of many recommendations which could improve citizens quality of life and minimise negative effects on the environment - chief among these recommendations were: keeping roads well repaired through efficient road works; reducing congestion through better planning and discouraging private motoring; and introducing tighter emission checks on vehicles. Panellists also wanted policy makers to tackle issues that related directly to individuals health and life expectancy. These were: reduce air pollution, notably by encouraging the development of more environmentally-friendly transport options; ensure that is was safe to travel; promote a better pedestrian experience through well repaired pavements and safer, and well lit walkways; and reduce stress, discomfort and exhaustion through clean and comfortable public transport. Only a fairly modest minority of panellists (around one in ten) focussed on protection and promotion of wildlife, wildlife habitats and green spaces when considering what transport policy makers should be trying to achieve in terms of quality of life and reduced impact on the environment. However, they did so compellingly and with perhaps a broader and more long-term view of human quality of life within the context of the natural world. Planting more trees along transport routes, considering wildlife migration routes and different species, checking waterways and simply preserving existing green areas were specific suggestions. It is worth noting that the desire for a reduction in green-house gases and air pollution and the associated recommendations for improved public transport and more green transport options imply awareness of and concern for the wider environment as well. DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 8

12 2 Introduction 2.1 Background In February 2008 The Department for Transport (DfT) commissioned GfK NOP to set up an online Citizens Panel in order to better understand public attitudes and perceptions of transport and transport policy, specifically in relation to the goals described below. DfT has set out a strategy, Towards a Sustainable Transport System, published in October 2007, which sets out five broad goals: To address climate change by cutting emissions of carbon dioxide and other green house gasses To maximise the competitiveness and productivity of the UK economy To promote greater equality of transport opportunity for all citizens, with the desired outcome of achieving a fairer society To contribute to better health and life-expectancy through reducing the risk of death, injury or illness arising from transport and promoting travel modes that are beneficial to health To improve quality of life for transport users and non-users, including through a healthy natural environment with the desired outcome of an improved well-being for all DfT had some immediate information needs to help identify the challenges to deliver this strategy. The DfT was interested, therefore, in finding out what the public consider to be the key challenges for transport strategy over the next 5 15 years to ensure that transport meets the needs of the public, businesses, the wider economy and the environment. The first wave of the Citizens' panel was used to provide public responses around these five strategic goals. Thereafter the panel will be used to meet a variety of information needs by providing additional depth and understanding to the existing evidence base around public attitudes that DfT already holds. One of the key roles of the panel will be to act as an important balance to the views expressed by 'experts' as part of the wider stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, as the questions were all openended, it has enabled panel members to write - in their own words - the issues they consider most important, without the confines of pre-coded survey responses. Therefore the findings presented in this DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 9

13 report are based on analysis of the spontaneous answers, provided by panel members, in response to questions around DfT's five strategic goals. 2.2 Research Aims and Objectives The primary objectives for the first wave of the panel research were: to provide an initial trial wave of Citizens panel to further enable DfT s understanding public attitudes towards transport agenda to provide initial findings to questions around DfT s five strategic goals set out in Towards a Sustainable Transport System strategy document to provide public perceptions of transport issues around the five strategic goals identified in the Department's "Towards a Sustainable Transport System strategy and to complement the views of the experts with whom DfT already engages the ability to support information collected from other research sources by providing more insight and depth around people's attitudes and opinions 2.3 Research Methodology Panel Recruitment To recruit DfT s On-line Citizens panel, 11,000 invitations were sent out to a random selection of GfK online panel members, 5,256 responded, approximately 3,000 indicated they were willing to participate, from which a total of 606 were recruited to become part of the panel. The recruitment text contained the following information: Intended aim of the panel To set up a Citizens Panel in order to better understand the public attitudes and perceptions of transport and transport policy The duration of the panel The panel would be conducted over a period of 12 months or more, with the possibility of regular (perhaps monthly) surveys Incentive to join the panel DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 10

14 GfK ipoints for every completed survey and an additional ipoint bonus for those completing a minimum number of surveys from the DfT s On-line Citizens Panel over the year Those that were recruited to become a member of DfT s On-line Citizens Panel then went on to complete the main survey for this first wave. Sample Recruitment quotas were set to ensure that the panel reflected population in England and Wales i.e. the sample was designed and recruited to achieve a sample that was as representative as possible within the constraints of an "on- line panel" methodology. The target sample number was 600, with 606 actually achieved. As already noted the panel is not statistically representative of the population (of England and Wales) and it is heavily biased towards on-line panel members. However, in order to create a sample that best reflects the population of England and Wales, the sample was designed around key quotas set on the following demographics: Region Age Gender Urban Vs Rural location All targets were achieved as showed in Table 1, section 3. Questionnaire The survey length for this first wave averaged 15 minutes. The structure consisted of nine sections (see below). All panel members answered sections 1, 2 and 3. Sections 4 to 8 concentrated individually on the five goals, with each respondent asked to provide responses to questions about two of the five goals. This section rotation approach to the questionnaire was designed to collect a range of panellists opinions and attitudes across all five goals, without over-burdening respondents with an overly long and complex survey. (Please see Appendix for full questionnaire). Section 1 Panel profiling and recruitment DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 11

15 Section 2 Travel profile Section 3 Overall needs of travel system Section 4 Climate change Section 5 Productivity and competitiveness Section 6 Equality of opportunity Section 7 Health, safety and security Section 8 Quality of life Section 9 - Conclusion Data analysis and reporting A qualitative approach was used to analyse the results and report the findings from the on-line panel. This was felt to be the most appropriate analysis to support the open-ended nature of the questions and to reflect the fact that the results are not statistically representative of the population of England and Wales. The questions that focussed on the DfT's five strategic goals (the questions covered in section 3 to 8) were all open-ended and asked panellists to respond spontaneously, using their own words. Verbatim responses were analysed and categorised into key themes for each individual question, and then re-visited and amended to remove duplications within each goal/section. Having identified the key themes for each goal, these were then reviewed to identify any overarching themes that transcended different goals. Finally we looked at how these policy themes related to panellists needs of the transport system (identified in responses to section 3 in the questionnaire). All themes are supported with profiled verbatim responses in this report. DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 12

16 3 Panel Profile Around 3000 GfK NOP online UK panel members were willing to participate in DfT s On-line Citizens Panel, with 606 panellists recruited to take part in this first wave of research. In order to reflect the population of England and Wales, quotas were set on gender, age, region, and Rural vs. Urban locations. The table below details each quota split by number achieved and target percentage required. The panel membership correctly reflects the population of England and Wales. Table 1: Panel Profile Quota groups Number of panellists Percentage of panellists Target percentage Percentage difference +/- Gender Male exact Female exact Age Region North Midlands South West and Wales South East and London Urban vs Rural Urban Rural DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 13

17 4 Transport Needs 4.1 The most important things required of a transport system All panel members were asked to focus broadly on general issues, rather than the detailed specifics of their current journeys. They were asked to think about the challenges which they thought the Department for Transport needed to address over the next 5-15 years to ensure that transport is able to meet the needs of the public, business, the wider economy and the environment. The panel members were asked specifically to describe: What are the most important things that you want the transport system to do for you? In order of priority the things panellists most wanted from transport are set out in the figure below. The responses were prioritised according to how many panellists spontaneously mentioned each theme. Figure 2: Hierarchy of transport needs Comfort & cleanliness Fast Safe Affordable / cheaper Convenient & easily accessible Reliable, regular & timely The figure above illustrates a hierarchy of transport needs represented as a pyramid consisting of six different levels (based on Maslow s hierarchy of human needs proposed in his 1943 paper A Theory of Human Motivation). The most basic need is shown at the bottom of the pyramid - a reliable, regular DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 14

18 and timely transport system. The higher needs in the pyramid only come into focus when the lower needs are satisfied, so that once an individual has moved upwards to the next level, needs in the lower level will no longer be prioritised. However, if a lower set of needs is no longer being met, the individual will re-prioritise these needs by focusing attention again on the unfulfilled level. So, at the most basic level, panel members thought that transport must be reliable, regular and timely. They want public transport services to arrive punctually and predictably and to deliver them to their destinations with fewer delays. Private vehicle users also wanted minimised delays. Many were interested in better public transport provision at peak times and noted that improved reliability and frequency (or timeliness) are key to encouraging people out of their cars and onto more environmentally friendly public transport. Convenient and accessible public transport was next most frequently mentioned. The term convenient was used to group together panellists comments such as: having bus stops and train stations within easy walking distance from people s homes and from work places and shopping and leisure facilities. Improved convenient access in outer city and rural areas was wanted as well as the assurance that transport modes would be easily accessible for groups such as elderly travellers, people with a disability and parents travelling with babies and children. Provision of ramps, lifts and convenient parking were mentioned in connection with this issue. Many panel members said they thought public transport was too expensive at present. They compared public transport provision to car travel and expressed the view that public transport definitely should be made to be cheaper than making the same journey by car. Safe travel was the next issue, and this theme covered safety from other travellers who might be violent, criminals or terrorists; assured safety from accidents when on public transport, and ensuring that road travel is as safe as possible through more appropriate, usually tighter, regulations on speeding and dangerous driving. Fast, efficient and well integrated transport, with more direct bus and train routes and simple, integrated ticketing was also desired by many panellists. Again several said that they would prefer to use public transport if it was a more direct, speedy (and cost effective) option than presently available. They thought many public transport links were too inconvenient and lengthy at the moment (as well as expensive). DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 15

19 The next most important quality that a lot of panel members wanted from transport in general was comfort and cleanliness. Comfort was predominantly seen in terms of having a seat but also in terms of not standing in very packed carriages and buses. Ideally, panellists wanted to enjoy a pleasant stress-free journey in a clean and comfortable environment, without over-crowding. This would help satisfy and retain current public transport travellers and some car driving panellists also said this would help attract them out of their cars. DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 16

20 4.2 How DfT s five strategic goals align with transport needs Goal 1: Climate change One in ten of all panellists mentioned climate change issues in relation to their transport needs. Although this may seem rather low considering how big the topic of climate change is in the world, it should be borne in mind that the question asked of panel members was about their transport needs, and therefore perhaps it is not surprising that only a minority mentioned this theme spontaneously in response to this question. Indeed, it could be argued that it is encouraging that as many as one in ten mentioned the issue of climate change when considering their needs of a transport system. It is clear, though, that their immediate needs are a transport system that gets them from A to B as quickly, efficiently and cost effectively as possible, with no delays, congestion or overcrowding. It seems only when their primary needs are met will they start to think about whether the transport they use is environmentally friendly. However, of those that mentioned climate change issues the following three broad issues were highlighted; promotion and investment in environmentally friendly transport / vehicles, making public transport a real alternative to the car, and reducing pollution / carbon emissions in general. It was evident throughout the survey that there was a high level of awareness but a frustration, particularly amongst car users, that there was no real transport alternative that would meet their primary travel needs and be environmentally friendly. The main example of this was those who would like to use public transport instead of their car but say it is not a viable alternative, with many stating inconvenience, unreliability, inaccessibility and cost as reasons why they would not use public transport. In summary we cannot strictly say that the climate change goal aligns with primary consumer transport needs. However this is not to say that those using transport are not interested in environmentally friendly transport, more that they simply have other priorities that need satisfying first. Panellists did demonstrate at least some levels of awareness and concern about climate change and environmental issues in some comments across most goals. DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 17

21 Goal 2: Competitiveness and Productivity When panellists were asked to name the most important things they wanted from a transport system the majority brought up features aligned to the goal of national competitiveness and productivity because transport is a first and foremost a functional activity, which either assists or detracts people in/from pursuing their economic and personal objectives. Most panellists named cost and affordability as crucial; secondly reliability and punctuality; and thirdly, efficiency and speed. These aspects enable participation in the wider economy through transport, and the more or less efficient planning of peoples time and energy. The goal of maximising competitiveness and productivity of the UK economy aligned very closely with panellists aspirations for the transport system, which from the top priorities they indicated by sheer numbers of spontaneous mentions, appeared to be driven largely by a desire to maximise personal productivity. Goal 3: Equality of Opportunity Half of all panellists spontaneously mentioned equality issues. However, it should be noted that all equality mentions focused on public transport rather than private. Panellists wanted a public transport system that is cheap and affordable for all. People who live in remote / rural areas wanted public transport to service their towns and villages so that they are not reliant on cars alone. Many people mentioned they wanted transport that is easily accessible - this included accessibility of roads leading up to stations, availability of car parks, lifts, ramps and transport that can be accessed (trains, tubes, buses) by all. It is not just the minority groups that want better access to public transport, but also mothers with buggies or prams, cyclists with bikes and the elderly. People want transport to be designed in such a way that these groups are considered, and appropriate space and design implemented. The goal of greater equality of transport opportunities for all citizens closely aligns with panellist aspirations for public transport. DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 18

22 Goal 4: Health, Safety and Security One third of those surveyed spontaneously mentioned safety and security issues. Whatever the transport mode used, the majority of those who mentioned safety did so as a general theme i.e. they wanted to travel from A to B as safely as possible. They also wanted travel to be a pleasant, comfortable and stress free activity. With reference to public transport they wanted to be able to travel in a clean and litter free environment, and to have a seat instead of standing room only, with no overcrowding. Whilst the majority spoke of a general feeling of safety, some people mentioned more specifically that they wanted public transport to be safe and well maintained with good back up procedures in the event of equipment / transport failure. Others spoke of a need to feel safe from other travellers on public transport. Those who mentioned road safety talked specifically about safety from other motorists as well as road safety including road surfaces, design and congestion. People wanted to travel on roads without fear of speeding or dangerous drivers. They wanted to travel on well-maintained and designed roads that would help to reduce congestion and ease traffic flow, and therefore make it safer to travel. All of the areas discussed so far align with DfT s goal to reduce risk of death or injury or illness from transport. However, the link between transport and better health/longer life expectancy is not an automatic one that panellists make spontaneously. The majority did not automatically think of walking or cycling to improve their health through daily journeys. Overall the results showed that DfT s goal appropriately aligned with the needs of one third of those interviewed, which in relation to all five goals can be considered a substantial proportion. Although it must still be noted that people do not directly relate their transport needs to healthy forms of transport such as walking or cycling. People accept there is a link between walking and cycling and health, but this is not a top of mind issue when making travel choices. DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 19

23 Goal 5: Quality of Life Initially, when panellists were first asked to name the most important things they wanted from the transport system just under half mentioned one quality of life issue or another. Responses mainly concentrated on the cleanliness and comfortableness of public transport, on the provision of room to sit down and pleasant, stress-free, easy transportation. These aspirations were seen very much by panellists as direct benefits to individuals quality of life when travelling. Spontaneous mentions which showed a consideration for the impact that transport has on the environment were very few in comparison. The spontaneous desire expressed by some panellists for a reduction in air pollution and transport emissions did relate indirectly to the environment but we sensed that the focus was on improving air quality for human health in the main, and even here only a few panellists cited this as initially important. When the quality of life goal was deconstructed and presented to panellists as two separate questions which helped to focus panellists minds on both the quality of journeys, and the impact of transport on the environment, mentions of cutting air emissions increased a great deal and other aims emerged such as reducing noise pollution, developing more environmentally friendly transport options and preserving and developing wildlife habitats and green spaces. However, the main ways that the quality of life goal aligned with what panellists most wanted from the transport system was principally through direct benefits to the quality of life of human beings when travelling (by making our journeys more pleasant, comfortable and cleaner); and only secondly through reducing the detrimental impacts of transport on the environment. DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 20

24 5 Challenges for transport policy makers The following sections cover each of the five key goals; 1. Climate change, 2. Competitiveness & productivity, 3. Equality of transport, 4. Health safety & security and 5. Quality of life. The structure for each section follows the same format. Firstly there is a summary section that lists the themes or challenges that policymakers face in tackling the issues identified within each of the goals, and summarise these challenges. Then each of themes is described in more detail, and the commentary is supported by verbatim responses. DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 21

25 5.1 Climate Change Goal 1: To address climate change by cutting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses Specific issues that DfT identified within this goal are: - making it easier for people and businesses to make more environmentally friendly choices about the way they travel - reducing emissions that contribute to climate change from journeys in the UK or internationally Summary Key themes that panellists identified as challenges that transport policy makers should focus on to address the climate change goal were as follows (ordered according to the frequency with which each theme was spontaneously mentioned, the most frequently being listed first): Overarching key themes: 1 Encouraging the use of green technology, including the specific sub-theme greater R&D/Investment in green technology 2 Make Public Transport a viable alternative to travelling by car 3 Discourage private & business motoring 4 Discourage use of air travel 5 Scepticism about Climate Change There was one additional key theme for making it easier for people to make environmentally friendly choices: 6 Provide reliable information on emissions DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 22

26 And there was one additional key theme for reducing emissions that contribute to climate change: 7 More downward pressure on emissions/enforce maximum limits Our panellists most often felt that the answer lies in encouraging the use of greener vehicles and fuels, and in particular increased investment in research & development of greener technology. Many felt that encouragement should be in the form of rewards and tax incentives, such as tax breaks for companies to use greener vehicles, or a reduced road tax charge for drivers of greener vehicles. Some felt that Government could go further and enforce good practice in certain areas - such as the regulation of higher standards of fuel efficiency and/or low emissions, and insisting that transport companies use hybrid vehicles - or at least bring pressure to bear on key groups to develop this greener technology. Making public transport a viable alternative to travelling by car came through as an important theme in many panellist responses. By improving public transport provision, people would be encouraged to choose it over car travel, which in turn would have a significant impact on the reduction of emissions. Discouraging private and business motoring was another approach mentioned by some. Examples of how this might be done included: the banning or penalising of big cars or old cars, increasing parking charges, keeping cars out of towns and introducing more park and ride schemes, encouraging less use of cars for the school run, and encouraging car sharing schemes. A minority of panellists thought that air travel should be discouraged, either by providing affordable alternatives, such as rail, for some journeys, or by increasing taxes on air flights or air fuel. Many view using the carrot rather than the stick approach to reduce emissions as a more effective solution. However, there was a minority of people who would like to see individuals/businesses penalised for wasteful or excessive private travel. The provision of reliable information on emissions emerged as a theme specific to making it easier for people to make environmentally-friendly choices. This might involve detailing the carbon emissions associated with different transport modes, by way of example, or a more general educational campaign to raise awareness of the climate change issue. Government pressure to enforce maximum carbon emissions was the one other aspect mentioned by some panellists when responding to the issue of how to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 23

27 5.1.2 Key challenges to achieve this goal To identify key challenges for this goal, 200 panellists were asked to describe the most important things policy makers should be trying to achieve in the following two topic areas: Q1 making it easier for people and businesses to make more environmentally friendly choices about the way they travel Q2 Reducing emissions that contribute to climate change from journeys in the UK or internationally All the themes mentioned by panellists in response to the first question were repeated in response to the second question. So, policies that our panellists thought should be implemented to reduce emissions, such as improving public transport or discouraging/penalising use of private cars, were also seen as policies that would make it easier for people to make more environmentally friendly choices. By way of example, it would be easier to choose public transport if it were improved and greater use of public transport would reduce emissions. We start therefore by describing the policy themes that were common to both question areas, and then describe the policy suggestions that were specific to the individual topic areas. Overarching themes Theme 1: Encouraging the use of green technology The most frequently mentioned issue with regard to climate change was the need to encourage use of green technology. In addition to funding research and development investment (see sub-theme 1b below), it was felt appropriate for Government to encourage widespread use of green technology. Some panellists spontaneously suggested doing this via rewards and incentives. It was felt that Government could provide incentives for the use of greener vehicles and fuels, and the conversion of vehicles to a greener specification. This could be via tax breaks for companies to use greener vehicles, or a reduced road tax charge for individual drivers. Encourage businesses to make the right choices with financial disincentives in place for the wrong choice e.g. tax incentives for environmentally friendly company vehicles (Female, C2DE, aged 55+, urban Midlands, disability, commute by car) DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 24

28 Give tax breaks to firms who use hybrid cars (Female, ABC1, aged 35-54, urban North, commute by car) Phase out all cars over 10 years old, make only cars with low carbon emissions. Reward these car owners with reduced Road Tax charges (Male, C2DE, aged 55+, urban South East and London, shopping by bus or walking) Government has to encourage people to use greener cars by lowering the tax on the purchase of new green cars and making a bigger difference in road tax for greener cars make the gas guzzlers much more expensive (Female, ABC1, aged 35-54, rural South East and London, commute by car) The use of incentives and rewards was not the only mechanism suggested by our panel to encourage the use of green technology. Some panellists felt that Government could go further and enforce good practices by regulation in the following areas: The enforcement of higher standards for the maintenance of vehicles to ensure either a certain level of fuel efficiency (both private and public transport vehicles) or low emissions Insisting on transport companies using hybrid vehicles Force transport companies to use bio-fuels or electricity! (Male, C2DE, aged 55+, urban South East and London, shopping by bus) Low emissions enforced by law; ban high emission cars entirely ( Female, ABC1, aged 55+, urban North, shopping by car) For others, however, the Government s role was not to regulate but to apply pressure on key groups to develop greener technology and therefore options for the public. There was comment on the need for Government to pressurise car manufacturers or airlines to offer affordable greener alternatives, and the need for Government to have the courage to tackle powerful interest groups who might be resistant to such change. Encourage vehicle manufacturers to reduce emissions (Female, ABC1, aged 35-54, urban North, commute by car) Pressure on manufacturers to develop green technologies and to make them available at economic prices (Female, ABC1, aged 55+, rural South East and London, commute, main method of transport is walking) Encourage plane makers to produce more efficient engines (Male, ABC1, 55+, urban South East and London, shop & social trips by car) DfT Citizens Panel Wave 1 Report 25