Transport, traffic and travel
NCB policy priority for 2009/10
Travelling is an integral part of daily life for children, young
people and their families. They need access to good, safe transport
in order to explore their local surroundings, visit friends and
family, and of course to get to and from school.
At the same time, children and young people
are less able to travel independently and are particularly
dependent on local transport provision. Getting around is therefore
central to the successful delivery of a number of the government’s
priorities for children, young people and their families; including
the five Every Child Matters outcomes. Too often, however, their
needs and views are not reflected in local transport and land use
planning decisions, and they continue to face barriers to accessing
transport and travel.
NCB and Play England wants to see greater
investment in, and policy development to support, sustainable
transport that meets children and young people’s needs and wishes.
We are campaigning for:
- Improved coordination across departments responsible for
children’s services, transport and planning within national and
local government
- Increased participation of children and young people in local
transport and planning decisions, and in relevant policy
development at the national level
- Greater access for young people to safe, affordable and
accessible public transport
- Greater investment in streets in which children can cycle and
walk without fear of traffic
- Streets and public spaces that are more child-friendly and
physically and socially safe
A recent survey by NCB and the British
Youth Council has found that children and young people feel unsafe
when using public transport in England.
More information about Play England.