Tuesday, 08 June 2010 12:47

West Sussex County Council is taking part in a major national survey to find out how people feel about local roads and transport.

West Sussex is one of dozens of local authorities to sign up to the National Highways and Transport Public Satisfaction Survey.

A questionnaire is being sent to thousands of randomly selected West Sussex residents this month.

The study will cover all aspects of local highway and transport services from the condition of roads and pavements to the quality of local bus services. 

Market research specialist, Ipsos MORI, is carrying out the survey.

This is the first year that West Sussex has taken part in the survey, which has been running nationally for three years.

Deputy Leader of the County Council, Lionel Barnard, who has responsibility for Highway and Transport issues, said: “This survey will provide a wealth of information on travel behaviour, how people use different services and what they think about our roads, public transport and walking and cycling routes.

“It will also helps us to find ways to improve our services by not only understanding the needs of our local residents better, but also by looking at the results from other areas of the country.”

Until now West Sussex has carried out its own annual Household Travel Survey. Previous results from this survey have shown some positive trends in West Sussex. These include slight increases in sustainable methods of transport, such as walking, cycling or public transport, and decreases in car use, particularly by parents on the school run.

Results from the previous Household Travel Survey have also shown recognition of the impact transport has on the environment and the importance of reducing car use and switching to ‘greener’ modes of transport.

Lionel added: “We would like to thank everyone who has taken part in our previous Household Travel Surveys and encourage as many people as possible to take part in this new survey for 2010.”

Local and national results are expected to be published later in the summer. 

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