Why Transport Infrastructure is key to keeping cities alive

The city centre is an emblem of modern society, a microcosm of human activity and social cohesion. Amidst rapidly changing shopping and working habits, regeneration, and cost of living pressures, our principal transport planner Aaron Hand discusses how transport will play a vital role in the success of these vibrant spaces.  

We are witnessing a distinctive change to the very fabric of ‘the city centre’. Vacant shops, increased residential living, and demand for office space have accelerated over the past year. Generating up to 60% of the UK’s economic output, it is essential that these spaces are nurtured to promote growth and support the prosperity of local people. 

Striking the balance 

A common concern is the attractiveness and consistency of urban public transport networks, with numerous studies showing the negative impacts of poor connectivity on the socio-economic success of cities and surrounding regions. For example, think tank Centre for Cities found that 67% of commuters in European cities can access city centres in less than 30 minutes by public transport, compared with only 40% in the UK. This leads to diminished job access and productivity, costing the UK a further £23.1 billion each year.  

The dichotomy of place versus movement is highly relevant in transport planning, particularly in these dense and spatially complex urban areas. Effective transport systems should be integrated with welcoming and safe spaces for people. Commuters, visitors, and residents will exert differing demands; therefore, transport infrastructure or policy interventions must be carefully considered. 

Perhaps the most important objective in dealing with the balance of these concerns is offering a flexible transport network with genuine choice, enabling cities to adapt to challenges they may face. By focusing on non-car and sustainable travel modes, we can achieve more successful city centres and reduce congestion while reinforcing the drive towards a more eco-conscious and sustainable society.  

Planet-friendly policies 

Policy will continue to play a significant role in guiding these improvements. London’s Congestion Charge Zone reduced traffic by nearly a quarter over the previous decade, while its Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) reduced N02 levels by up to 44% and encouraged the shift towards hybrid or fully electric vehicles.   

Developers and their transport consultants need to consider a more detailed focus on pedestrian, cycle, and public transport links. More diverse parking facilities, including Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCPs) and high-quality cycle storage that serves a variety of different users can also support this approach. 

Infrastructure intervention and prioritising public transport 

Physical infrastructure is equally important. While investment in bridges, car parks and wider roads is essential for city centres, exploring alternative, sustainable ways of achieving is crucial. Reallocation of road space is already successfully being achieved through Cycle Superhighways, dedicated bus lanes, and focus on providing attractive pedestrianised routes. 

Access to the city centre from those living in surrounding areas needs to be a priority. A long-term decline in public transport patronage has led to a reduction in local authority subsidies and combined with public perception issues, inconsistent service provision, and unreliability, many have been discouraged from favouring public transport. 

A positive example where public transport has been improved is Nottingham City Transport (NCT). It provides a fully integrated and comprehensive service across the city, while also offering multi-modal travel options alongside the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram network and park and ride services.  

Final thoughts 

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to addressing the increasingly divergent needs of city centres. However, a combination of carefully considered policies and assessment of infrastructure reflecting local circumstances could help to provide a robust and flexible transport network.  

Local authorities and planners should consider new and alternative interventions. Placing sustainable travel at the heart of these decisions, while being sympathetic to traditional traffic concerns, can help encourage a modal shift towards non-car modes and whilst also enhancing the attractiveness of city centres as places to work, live, and spend our time.  

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