A million at risk of transport poverty
MORE than a million Scots live in areas that are at risk of “transport poverty”, according to research.
The Sustrans Scotland report found up to 20 per cent of communities fall into the high-risk category when it comes to assessing affordability for transport.
People are deemed at risk of transport poverty if they don’t have access to essential services or work because of a lack of affordable transport.
The organisation, who promote walking and cycling, used data on household income, car availability and access to public transport to allocate risk ratings across Scotland.
They found the risk of transport poverty was highest in areas with relatively low income, high car availability and low access to essential services by public transport.
Sustrans Scotland’s national director John Lauder said: “For many of us, the way we get to the shops or how we travel to the dentist is something we don’t have to worry about.
“However, for more than one million Scots, these everyday trips can be the difference between getting support and services they need or going without.
“People should be able to access shops, schools, healthcare and places of work within a short distance without the need for a car.”
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “The Scottish Government continues to increase investment in sustainable transport.”